Words by Angela Jones
I never have much luck growing Parsley from seed, out of a full packet only a few will take, so this year I have decided to try Chervil as well to see how they compare.
Chervil is similar in taste to Parsley but milder, with a slightly more Aniseed flavour, and can be used much in the same way. It is one of the four herbs that make up the “fines herbes” used in French cooking, the others being Parsley, Chives and Tarragon.
This month I will start some pots off in the green house and later in April or even early May, sow some directly into the herb patch. Chervil does not like full sun so it’s not a plant to grow on a sunny windowsill and will quickly bolt if it has too much. Chervil is an annual and it’s usually ready to pick about 6 to 8 weeks after sewing and can be picked right up to the first hard frost. Do not be tempted to pick from the wild however as it takes a keen eye to distinguish it from Hemlock which is poisonous.
AJ
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