Chervil Anthriscus cerefolium
Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) is an annual herb in the Apiaceae family, native to Southeast Europe and western Asia. It grows 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
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Chervil at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 24 °C (75 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–13 weeks after planting, for 2–4 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 60 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, young shoots |
| Native to | Southeast Europe and western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Chervil toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Culinary herb; not listed as toxic, though sap of related Anthriscus species can irritate skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chervil
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Shared pests and diseases
- Carrot fly: Carrot fly also attacks parsnip, celery and parsley; mesh or barriers protect them all. Evidence B
Questions about Chervil
- How far apart should I plant Chervil?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does Chervil need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chervil need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Chervil?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Chervil flower?
- About 9–13 weeks after planting, for 2–4 weeks.
- Is Chervil poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Culinary herb; not listed as toxic, though sap of related Anthriscus species can irritate skin.
- What grows well with Chervil?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chervil. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Cool-season herb that bolts in heat and long days; sow in spring and autumn in partial shade.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus
- Parsley Petroselinum crispum
- Celery Apium graveolens
- Coriander (cilantro) Coriandrum sativum
- Dill Anethum graveolens
- Parsnip Pastinaca sativa
- Celeriac Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
- Florence fennel Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum