Chervil is a delicate herb used in soups, sauces, egg dishes, and seafood recipes to impart a fresh, subtle flavour with hints of anise and licorice. Its tender leaves and refined aroma make it an excellent candidate for both microgreen production and mature herb harvesting. Whether you're a home gardener or a commercial grower, chervil is a versatile and elegant addition to any edible garden.
Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
Chervil resembles flat-leaf parsley, with curly, bright green foliage and a mild, sweet flavour. Often considered a gourmet herb, it plays a key role in French cuisine, especially in the classic fines herbes blend. Chervil’s lush, vigorous growth makes it suitable for both microgreens and full-sized herb cultivation.
Growing Chervil: Microgreen vs Herbs
Chervil can be cultivated quickly for flavour-packed microgreens or grown to full size for use as a culinary herb.
Microgreens: These are tender young seedlings harvested shortly after germination. Their delicate leaves and mild flavour make them an attractive garnish or salad component.
Mature herbs: Grown to full size, chervil develops bushy, frilled leaves. Commonly harvested fresh, as drying reduces its flavour. Ideal for delicate dishes where its flavour can stand out.
Part 1. Growing Chervil Microgreens
What You’ll Need:
- Seeds: use high-quality chervil seeds from a trusted source like Ausallium
- Growing Medium: Well-draining, enriched soil or soilless medium like coconut coir or hemp mats.
- Tray or container: Shallow trays with drainage holes
- Light Source: Natural sunlight or grow lights.
- Water: Spray bottle or gentle watering can.
How to grow:
- Prepare the growing medium: Fill your tray evenly with your chosen medium. Moisten it evenly to make sure it’s damp but not soaked.
- Sow the seeds: Distribute seeds evenly across the surface and press lightly. There is no need to treat seeds or pre-soak before sowing.
- Germination: Cover the tray to block light and retain moisture. Place in a warm area, checking daily to keep moist. Germination usually takes 5-7 days.
- Provide light: Once seeds have germinated and sprouts appear, remove the cover and expose them to light.
- Watering: Maintain moisture by bottom watering to prevent mould.
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Harvesting: Around 12-26 days, depending on whether a true leaf is desired. Harvest chervil microgreens by trimming just above the growing medium.
Part 2. Growing Mature Chervil Herbs
What You’ll Need:
- Seeds: High-quality seeds from a trusted source like Ausallium
- Light: Chervil will grow in sun, part sun or shade.
- Containers: Can plant in a container or directly in soil.
- Water: Consistent water source.
How to grow:
- Planting: Sow chervil in a well-lit, well-draining medium around 6mm deep. You can sow in pots for transplanting or directly in the medium.
- Germination: Chervil typically germinates in 5-7 days. After the first 2 weeks, they can also be harvested as microgreens.
- Maintenance: Make sure to keep the medium moist but not waterlogged. You can apply fertiliser to plants at the recommended rate after transplanting or when 5-10 cm tall.
- Harvest: Chervil is ready for harvest in approximately 60-70 days. Outer leaves can be harvested as needed. Can be used for cut-and-come-again production.
Trouble Shooting Common Growing Issues:
- Carrot Fly: Larvae can damage roots. Use netting or companion planting, and apply organic pest control as needed.
- Bolting: Heat and long daylight hours can trigger early flowering. Plant in cool seasons and provide shade in warmer climates.
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Leaf Yellowing: May indicate poor drainage or nutrient deficiency. Use a nutrient-rich, well-drained medium and water evenly.
Seed Storage Tips
- Cool & Dry: Store away from heat and humidity.
- Airtight Containers: Prevent exposure to air.
- Labelling: Mark variety and date when storing.
- Moisture Prevention: Use silica gel packets if in a humid climate.
Health Benefits
Microgreens: High in vitamin C, A and E as well as antioxidants. Adds a gentle, sweet flavour to salads, omelettes, or seafood dishes.
Herbs: Rich in iron, calcium, and magnesium. Goes well in sauces, herb blends, soups, and as a fresh garnish to enhance light dishes.
Final thoughts
Whether you're growing it for fast-harvest microgreens or cultivating full-sized herbs, Chervil is an underappreciated herb that is a rewarding and flavorful addition to any garden. Its soft leaves and subtle taste elevate even the simplest dish.
Start growing chervil with premium seeds from Ausallium - perfect for chefs, gardeners, and microgreen lovers alike.
