🌿 How to Grow Chervil from Seeds
Common Names:

• Hindi: चर्विल / मीठी अजवाइन

• Tamil: செர்வில்

• Telugu: చెర్విల్

• Malayalam: ചെർവിൽ

• Kannada: ಚರ್ವಿಲ್

• English: Chervil

• Botanical name: Anthriscus cerefolium

1. Choose the Right Season

• Cool-season annual herb

• Best time to sow:

  • October to February in India

  • Early spring or late summer in cooler climates

• Ideal temperature: 10°C to 20°C

• Prefers mild, shady weather — bolts quickly in heat

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loose, fertile, well-draining loamy soil

• pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)

• Mix in compost or leaf mold before sowing

• Avoid heavy or dry soil

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • Garden: 6–8 inches between plants, 12 inches between rows

  • Containers: Use 6–8 inch deep pots, sow thinly and cover lightly

• Chervil does not transplant well — sow directly

• Water gently after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination

• Water 2–3 times per week, or as needed to prevent drying

• Mulch to retain soil moisture in warm weather

• Do not let soil dry out completely

5. Germination

• Germinates in 7–14 days

• Prefers cool soil and partial shade for sprouting

• Thin seedlings to allow airflow and proper growth

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Grows best in partial shade (3–5 hours of sun)

• Too much heat or sun causes early flowering (bolting)

• Prefers cool, moist, shaded corners of the garden

7. Fertilization

• Use compost or diluted organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks

• Avoid overfeeding — it prefers light, organic nourishment

• Too much nitrogen reduces flavor

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, slugs, fungal rot in damp soil

• Spray neem oil + soap every 10–15 days if pests appear

• Thin plants and improve drainage to avoid fungal issues

9. Harvesting

• Ready in 30–45 days after sowing

• Snip outer leaves regularly; avoid cutting center crown

• Harvest early in the day for best flavor

• Leaves lose flavor when dried — best used fresh

10. Regrow Tip

• Chervil is a self-seeding annual — let a few plants flower and set seed

• Sow fresh seeds every 6–8 weeks for a continuous supply

• Cannot be regrown from cuttings; regrow only by seed

🥗 Health Benefits of Chervil

• Rich in antioxidants and minerals (iron, magnesium, calcium)

• Aids digestion and supports liver and kidney function

• Mild anti-inflammatory properties

• Traditionally used in French herbal medicine and cuisine