The chervil, which belongs to the same plant family and closely resembles parsley, is little known for cultivation in the garden or in pots on the balcony. But it's worth giving the whole thing a try because it's extremely uncomplicated!
How do you grow chervil successfully?
Chervil cultivation is best achieved by direct sowing in a partially shaded location with loose, permeable, humus-rich and nutrient-rich soil. Sowing takes place between March and September. Chervil is an annual, protects lettuce plants from slugs and can be harvested after 4 weeks.
Advance or direct sowing?
Chervil has to be grown every year because it is an annual. For cost and organizational reasons, it is therefore advisable to sow seeds instead of buying a new plant every year. Since chervil has a sensitive root system, it should ideally be sown directly on site. He reacts allergically to transplanting, which is the later consequence of preferring it at home
A solo worker who drives away snails
Chervil prefers to grow in a place that is available to it alone. He is extremely reluctant to share his territory. But: It is in good hands next to lettuce plants. It gets along with them and protects them from snail damage. Snails don't like it and stay away.
Which location meets the needs of chervil?
Whether directly in the bed or in a pot on the balcony or the windowsill - chervil can be planted in many places due to its small size. It prefers a partially shaded location. It can also thrive in full sun.
However, full sun should only be an option if the soil can be kept evenly moist. Furthermore, the floor should have the following characteristics:
- easy
- permeable
- humos
- nutrient-rich
Cultivation – from start to finish?
- Sowing period: between March and September
- Light germinator: press seeds and do not cover them with soil
- Keep seeds moist (germination time 15 to 20 days)
- Water young plants regularly (no waterlogging!)
- First harvest possible after 4 weeks - cut off the chervil
- fertilize sporadically with compost
Tips & Tricks
Due to heat and dry times, chervil can quickly start flowering just a few weeks after planting. Then it's time to quickly cut off the flower umbels - at least for those who want to continue to enjoy the herb and are not interested in seeds.
