About
Anthriscus cerefolium, commonly known as chervil, is an upright annual herb that grows to about 60 cm in height. This plant is valued for its fragrant, finely divided leaves, which have a distinct anise flavor. The leaves are 2- to 3-pinnate with ovate leaflets measuring 3-5 cm. In the summer, chervil produces umbellate clusters of small white flowers, typically spanning 5-7 cm in diameter. Chervil is often utilized as a seasoning in fish recipes and various sauces.
About the genus
Anthriscus includes annual, biennial, and perennial species characterized by feathery foliage and clusters of small white flowers arranged in umbels.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Europe, W Asia
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Water plants in dry spells to deter premature flowering. See chervil cultivation for more advice.
- Pruning
- Harvest leaves regularly to promote new, fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in spring and early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs, snails and caterpillar damage on young growth
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease- free