The forgotten middle child of the herb family, Chervil seldom gets the credit or the inclusion its talents so deserve. Often referred to as French parsley, it is an annual herb that derives its flavour from both the carrot and parsley. Its foliage is also a marriage between the two, with its carrot-like feathery stems being the perfect match in flavour and texture to a range of fish and more mild dishes where you’d prefer subtle flavouring.
Growing it in the patch demands you take advantage of mild weather opportunities, where it is neither too hot or cold; both extremes being detrimental to this heat sensitive herb. So we look to plant it in the settled parts of spring and autumn.
PLANTING
Sow in clumps of 4-5 seeds, under the cover of a mini greenhouse, and then transplant to the garden when soil and daytime temperatures are around the 20 degree mark. Space out the plants approximately 30cm apart and make sure to feed with a plant starter or liquid seaweed solution to help them settle in.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and 3-4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter.
In Pots: Water daily, in the absence of rainfall, for the entirety of the warm season, and then cut back to watering every second day during the cooler times of the year.
MAINTENANCE
Prepare a free draining soil with compost and slow-release all-round fertiliser and plant your seedlings on a day that is neither too hot or cold. If in doubt, ask our friend Goldilocks for advice.
As the plant settles in it’s not uncommon for some leaves to bronze and die off, so make sure to pick them off to free up energy. Once the seedling is looking set – exhibiting signs of delicate young growth – mulch with pea staw, lucerne hay or sugar cane mulch to a depth of 3-5cm.
Feed monthly with liquid seaweed solution and at around the 4 week mark you can begin harvesting in cautious moderation, taking no more than a mature stem or two.
As an annual herb – like basil or coriander – it will only produce for a few months, until a seasonal change sends it to seed signalling its demise.
HARVESTING
When planting from seed, it will be approximately 8 weeks before you can begin harvesting in moderation; 4 weeks if planting from a seedling.
Early harvesting will affect the plant’s ability to photosynthesise, so only take a small snip or two, but otherwise avoid it. As the plant settles, you can start harvesting with zest and taking more mature stems of the plant will help the plant’s productivity, preventing it from going to seed.
Seasonal changes – heat/cold and lack of water – will stress chervil and send it into seed production.
TIP
Timing is everything when planting chervil as they are very sensitive to both hot and cold conditions.
