•how to• successfully grow chervil

Chervil is a member of the Apiaceae family (formally Umbelliferae, after their umbrella-shaped flower heads) and its relatives include parsley, caraway, coriander, dill and carrot.

It is a biennial herb, but is usually grown as an annual. It prefers cool temperate climates, or either side of summer in hotter climates provided there is moisture and shade.

It can be either plain-leaved or curly, but the curly type is the one usually available in catalogues.

Chervil is easy to grow once you sort out its requirements, but too much sun and heat means it will quickly run to seed.