Timing Start seeds indoors or direct sow in spring. Direct sow in summer and protect plants from midday sun for a winter crop – chervil is quite hardy. Keep transplanting to a minimum, as chervil develops a delicate taproot.

Starting Sow seeds 5mm-1cm deep, and space plants 23-30cm apart.

Harvest Begin harvesting as needed 6-8 weeks after sowing, or when plants are 10cm tall. Drying kills nearly all the flavour of the leaves, so freezing is best for long term storage.

Companion Planting Chervil is an excellent companion for Brassicas, lettuce, and radishes, but does best in part shade. Try growing some between rows of tall cabbages and kale. Chervil helps to repel slugs.