How to grow chervil in a raised bed

Chervil is a delicate, ferny French herb with a subtle parsley-aniseed flavour, prized in fine cooking. It likes it cool and shady — a lovely herb for the shadier side of a raised bed.

Quick facts

• Position: part shade; dislikes hot sun
• Spacing: 15–20 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 6–8 weeks

When should I plant chervil?

Chervil loves the cool — sow directly from autumn through early spring, and give it shade in warm weather, as it bolts fast in heat. Sow a fresh patch every few weeks. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): April to August
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): March to May and August to September
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): February to March and September to November
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): May to July
• Arid inland: April to July

How do I grow chervil in a raised bed?

Sow seed where it's to grow — it resents transplanting. A cool, part-shaded, moist spot keeps it in leaf longest.

How often should I water and feed chervil?

Keep the mix evenly moist — dry, hot conditions send it straight to seed.

What pests attack chervil?

Keep an eye out for aphids — though most herbs are pleasingly pest-resistant. See our safe pest guide.

What are the common problems with chervil?

The main one to watch is powdery mildew and damping-off, usually from damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow and morning watering prevent most.

What grows well with chervil?

Said to be a good companion that improves nearby herbs; let some flower for the beneficial insects. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest chervil?

Pick the outer leaves young and often. Use it fresh — its delicate flavour vanishes when dried or cooked hard.

More growing guides: dill, sorrel and tarragon.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Schlaghecken Josef, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.