description
Anthriscus cerefolium is a biennial of the Apiaceae that is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from Jun to July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Chervil is closely related to parsley. It grows to a height of 20 inches with a spread off about 8 inches. It has flat, light green and lacy leaves, which have a slightly aniseed-like aroma and turn reddish brown as the plant matures. It blooms in mid-summer, producing flat umbellifers of tiny white flowers.

common names & nomenclature
Old English cerfelle "chervil," from Latin chaerephyllum, from Greek khairephyllon; phyllon means "leaf" and khairein means "to rejoice".

Also known as:
chervil, myrrhis, garden chervil, french parsley, gourmet's parsley, chervel, sweet cicely

Chervil is native to Southern Europe and the Caucasus but was spread by the Romans through most of Europe, where it is now naturalized.

climate
Chervil grows in woodland garden sunny edges; dappled shade; shady edges; hedgerows and cultivated beds. Plants dislike hot dry summers, it is best to give summer crops a cool shady location; however winter crops require a sunny location.

soil
Chervil prefers a well-drained moisture retentive soil.

growing
Sow chervil seeds directly in the garden soil outdoors, as transplanting can be difficult due to the long taproot. Chervil bolts quickly (goes to flower and seed), so it may be necessary to re-seed several times during the growing season. For continuous harvesting, sow in succession from February to October. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks.

harvesting
Harvest leaves throughout the growing season, regular harvesting also helps to prevent bolting.

preserving
Dry the leaves well and cut into smaller pieces, store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.