When to plant Chervil in Bristol

Anthriscus cerefolium

Chervil
Chervil · Anthriscus cerefolium

A quick, cool-season herb for the UK. Grow it in moist soil or a pot in light shade, and sow little and often for a steady supply of leaves.

30 cm · Partial Shade · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Bristol · last frost ≈ 19 Apr

Sow outdoors March to September, harvest April to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    8 Mar to 14 Sept Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    After each sowing, sow thinly from 8th March to 14th September. Cover with of compost. Sow a fresh batch every 21 days.

    • In heat, give light shade and keep the soil evenly moist.
    • Check seedlings for slugs after rain.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    29 Mar to 19 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin to apart.

  3. 03

    Keep Moist

    8 Mar to 2 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, keep the soil evenly moist from 8th March to 2nd November. Give extra shade in hot spells.

  4. 05

    Harvest Leaves

    26 Apr to 2 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, start cutting from 26th April. Pick outer leaves or snip the tops. Take flower stems as they appear. Keep harvesting through 2nd November.

    • Late sowings can stand longer under a cloche or fleece.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Chervil.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Chervil to consider

Commun Chervil

A standard green chervil with a good flavour for regular cutting.

Crispum

A curled form with finely divided leaves and a tidy habit.

Brussels Winter

A hardier selection suited to cooler conditions and longer picking.

Chervil guides by town

See how Chervil timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.