Anthriscus cerefolium

RHS Plant Profile
chervil

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chervil RHS 2002

Other common names

common chervil, garden chervil, hedge parsley

Annual Biennial Herbs - Culinary
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An upright annual herb approximately 60cm tall, cultivated for its aromatic leaves. Aniseed-flavoured, lacy, 2- to 3-pinnate leaves. with ovate leaflets are 3-5 cm large. Umbels of small white flowers, 5-7cm across are borne in summer. Chervil is commonly used to season fish dishes and sauces

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Anthriscus can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with fern-like leaves and umbels of tiny white flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe, W Asia

How to Grow

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.

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in spring and early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Harvest leaves regularly to promote new, fresh growth.

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and caterpillar damage on young growth

Diseases

Generally disease- free