When to plant Chervil in the UK

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
Sow outdoors March to September, harvest May to October.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    late March to early September UK average · set your town for your exact dates Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    After each sowing, sow thinly from late March to early 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

    mid-April to early October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

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

  3. 03

    Keep Moist

    late March to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, keep the soil evenly moist from late March to late October. Give extra shade in hot spells.

  4. 05

    Harvest Leaves

    early May to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, start cutting from early May. Pick outer leaves or snip the tops. Take flower stems as they appear. Keep harvesting through late October.

    • 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.