Chervil [Anthriscus cerefolium]

Annual chervil is a spice, tea and medicinal plant that has been used since ancient times for seasoning, fasting or detoxification. Chervil has a cleansing effect on the skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting the flowers and leaves.

 Description 
Chervil is a very old annual spice, tea and medicinal plant with origins in southeastern Europe and the Caucasus region. Wild chervil grows on the edges of forests, near streams and on fallow land. This special herb has been used since ancient times for seasoning, fasting or detoxification. Chervil has a cleansing effect on the skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect. The taste of the chervil leaves is slightly sweet and spicy and reminiscent of fennel and anise, with a delicate aroma. The plants grow very quickly and bloom in very warm temperatures, which can be compensated by sowing monthly. Not suitable for pregnant women and people with kidney disease.

 General information 
Plant family: Apiaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 60 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Semi shady
Soil: Permeable, loamy, humus

pH value: 6 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light and cold germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-22 °C
Germination time: 6-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 15x20 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 1-2 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Salad, Radish, Horseradish, Lettuce, Onion
Unfavorable mixed culture: Cress, Nasturtium, Coriander, Parsley, Rocket

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend direct sowing from February to April or in autumn from October to November. The ideal location for the plants is partial shade.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing is recommended from mid-April to August. The plants are best placed in a sunny to partially shaded location.

 General recommendations 
To germinate, the seeds need to be exposed to cold for 4 to 6 days at 5 to 10 °C. Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. Pre-cultivation in pots is also advisable.
Chervil ideally prefers a soil that is low in nutrients, moist, permeable and contains loam and humus. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Young chervil plants quickly develop flowers when the plants are exposed to large temperature fluctuations or heat. For a continuous harvest, we recommend sowing monthly. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Regularly removing the flowers extends the harvest time. Regular watering results in faster growth. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Anthriscus cerefolium
English names: Chervil
German names: Echter Kerbel, Korfel, Korbel, Kufelkraut, Eselskörbel, Karweil, Keferfil, Kräutl, Körblikraut
Portuguese names: Cerefólio
Spanish names: Perifollo
French names: Cerfeuil

 Origin 
Country: Portugal