DESCRIPTION: A. cerefolium, Chervil or French Parsley, is an annual herb, which grows wild in southern Europe. Chervil grows up to 12 inches high and 18 inches wide. It resembles Parsley with its fine, light green leaves. It is widely used in French cuisine to add a delicate anise flavor, or as a garnish. A. sylvestris 'Ravenswing' is a hardy perennial, which forms clumps of finely divided, fern-like foliage that is green at first and black-purple when mature. The tiny flowers grow in clusters, in late spring. They are creamy-white, sometimes tinged with pink. This plant grows 3 feet or more high and spreads 18 inches. It is lovely in herbaceous borders, especially with silver-leaved plants.
POTTING: Chervil flourishes in cool weather. Chervil will tolerate frost and if gradually hardened off, can withstand temperatures near 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Grow spring-planted Chervil in full sun. Afternoon shade is beneficial to plants growing in the Deep South or warm West; this produces larger plants with better color for fall or winter harvest. Chervil can be grown in ordinary garden soil, however for more tender and flavorful leaves, grow in well-drained, moderately rich soil. To harvest this herb, cut the plants off 2 or 3 inches above the surface of the soil. It will regrow if you leave the central leaf buds uncut.
PROPAGATION: Since this plant loves cool weather, it should be planted in early spring or late summer, or in a greenhouse in the winter. Always sow seeds directly where they are to grow. Transplanting causes them to bloom quickly and go to seed. Thin the seedlings 6 to 8 inches apart. A. sylvestris is increased by division in the spring or fall.
VARIETIES: A. cerefolium. True curled Chervil is the most desirable cultivar, but many seeds sold under this name are really the common flat-leaf selection. The flavor of flat-leaf Chervil is just as good, but the leaves aren't as fancy for garnishes. A. sylvestris.