Chervil, a traditional French annual herb, has a unique peppery yet sweet flavor that tastes similar to a combination of licorice, fennel, and parsley. This herb is often found in a blend of French cooking herbs called fines herbes. The mixture includes chervil, chives, parsley, and tarragon.
Chervil was used for both medicinal and culinary purposes in ancient Rome and Greece. It is found throughout central Asia, southern Europe, and Russia. Chervil is a feathery fern like herb that can grow up to two feet tall. It has light green and dark green leaves that look similar to parsley.
Chervil is used for a variety of ailments. This potent herb provides anti-inflammatory protection to relieve fluid retention, chronic cough, digestive disturbances, high blood pressure, and pain caused by gout. It can also be used to help relieve eczema. Finally, chervil contains large amounts of vitamin C, vitamin e, vitamin A, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, and calcium.
Here is a quick overview of chervil microgreens. This information can be used as a quick reference guide to help you determine which microgreens you want to grow.
Be sure to check out our how to grow microgreens page for other microgreen growing guides.
| Attribute | Profile |
| Flavor | Chervil is a delightful herb with hints of parsley, fennel, and licorice undertones. |
| Pre-Soak (Yes/No) | You do not need to presoak chervil microgreen seeds. |
| Color | Chervil microgreens have light green lacy leaves on pale yellowish green stems. |
| Germination Time | The germination rate of chervil is high. It takes 3 to 4 days for germination. |
| Harvest Time | You can expect to harvest chervil microgreens about 12 days after planting. |
| Green Thumb Level (1-5) | 1 – Chervil is easy to grow, making it a good choice for families to grow together. |
Chervil microgreens, sometimes referred to as micro chervil, is a delicious microgreen that can be added to fish dishes, egg dishes like omelets, and steamed vegetables. Chervil is easy to grow when our instructions are followed.
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions concerning growing chervil microgreens.
Yes, chervil microgreens are one of the few microgreens that will regrow after your harvest. You will need to cut only the top leaves, leaving at least one to two lower leaves.
Chervil is a fast growing microgreen. After planting, you can begin harvesting chervil microgreens within 12 days of planting.
Chervil microgreens are one of the easiest to grow microgreens You will only need a few easy to find supplies and equipment, including seeds, light, water, a growing medium, and a few other supplies. Check out our recommendations of the supplies and equipment you will need to grow micro chervil.
A starter kit like the deluxe starter kit at True Leaf Market will provide you with the supplies and equipment that you need to begin growing chervil microgreens.
If you would prefer to purchase your microgreen gardening equipment individually, here is a list of supplies you will need to purchase.
The first thing to consider is the growing medium you will use for chervil microgreens. There are many options on the market; however, we typically recommend using coconut coir rather than soil.
Coconut coir is a soilless mixture that is often chosen for growing chervil microgreens. Coconut coir helps retain moisture and offers good aeration and drainage.
Seed starting potting soil is a fine grained soil that contains the nutrients your chervil microgreens need to thrive.
Growing trays make it easier to successfully grow chervil microgreens. You will need a total of three growing trays. Two of these trays will not have drainage holes and one of these trays will have drainage holes.
The growing tray with holes will hold your soil and allow your chervil microgreens to draw water up into the soil.
The two growing trays without holes will be used during the germination and growing process of your chervil microgreens. One will be placed on the bottom to hold water and one will be used as a cover during germination.
A misting bottle allows you to gently water your chervil microgreens without disturbing your soil or seeds.
A grow light provides consistent light to ensure your chervil microgreens will grow evenly and get the light they need for optimal health.
A heating mat allows you to control the soil temperature to improve the germination success of your chervil microgreen seeds. Here is the one that we recommend.
A planting rack allows you to attach full spectrum grow lights and circulation fans easily. Furthermore, this rack allows you to house your chervil microgreens vertically to save space.
Circulation fans are used to improve airflow around your chervil microgreens, which reduces the risk of mold and other diseases.
Curled Chervil – Curled chervil by True Leaf Market is a delicious microgreen that can be harvested in as little as 12 days. This microgreen tastes similar to parsley with a hint of tarragon and anise.
Our easy to follow, step-by-step growing guide will help you grow chervil microgreens. In the following section, we will discuss each step in detail to ensure you have the knowledge you need to successfully grow chervil microgreens.
The first thing you will need to do is get your grow trays ready for your chervil seeds. Begin by placing your growing tray with holes inside your growing tray without holes. This setup will allow you to water your microgreens from the bottom up.
Next, you will want to fill your tray with holes in it with your growing medium. Fill the tray to the very top and then use the third tray to gently press the growing medium down, ensuring it extends to the corners of your growing tray.
Finally, you will want to water your soil three times to ensure the coconut coir or seed starting soil is moist. Use your misting bottle and spray the entire tray of growing medium. Allow the water to soak into the medium for five minutes and then spray again. You will want to spray the soil down a total of three times.
After you have thoroughly moistened your soil, it is time to plant your chervil microgreen seeds. For each 10 inch by 20 inch growing tray, you will need approximately one ounce of chervil seeds.
Spread the micro chervil seeds evenly across the entire surface of your growing tray. Press your seeds into your growing medium to ensure full contact. Then cover your seeds with a light covering of your growing medium and gently water one more time using your misting bottle.
The germination process takes place in complete darkness, which is why we recommend placing a growing tray upside down on top of your seeds and growing medium. Use a brick, a weight, or a stone to weigh down the lid, and then place the growing tray on top of your heating mat.
The ideal soil temperature for chervil microgreens is 75°F during the germination process. Once the seeds have germinated, the heat mat can be turned off. The ambient temperature range should be between 65°F and 75°F.
It will take approximately 3 to 4 days for your chervil microgreens to germinate. Once this occurs, it is time to move to the next step – growing your chervil microgreens.
Once 90 to 95 percent of your microgreen seeds have germinated, remove the germination (top) tray and place your chervil microgreens under your full spectrum grow lights. Your grow lights should be placed approximately 18 inches to 24 inches from your germinated micro chervil plants.
Circulation fans optimize airflow with circulation fans. If your chervil microgreens are not receiving enough airflow, mold, mildew, and other fungi may begin to grow. Attach your fans to your planting rack to improve air circulation.
Chervil microgreens are typically ready to harvest approximately 12 days after planting. Once the cotyledons are developed it is time to harvest your microgreens.
It may take some trial and error to determine exactly when you should harvest chervil microgreens. The best method is to snip a small amount of your chervil and taste it. Chervil microgreens should have a fresh, mild, airy flavor similar to parsley with a hint of tarragon and anise.
When you determine your chervil microgreens are ready for harvest, withhold watering for 8 to 12 hours. This will help ensure your chervil microgreens are crisp and ready to enjoy.
Harvesting chervil microgreens is extremely easy. All you need is a sharp pair of scissors or a sharp knife. Cut the microgreens about a quarter of an inch above the soil levels and place the cut microgreens on a clean paper towel.
Chervil microgreens are best eaten as soon as you cut them. If you will be eating them immediately, fill up a bowl with cool, not cold water and give your microgreens a swirl to remove any soil. Then, lay them out on a clean paper towel to dry.
Chervil microgreens can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 days. Do not rinse your microgreens! Wrap your microgreens in a clean paper towel and place them in an airtight storage bag or storage box. Place your microgreens in the crisper. When you are ready to use your microgreens, rinse using the method described above.
If you will be shipping your chervil microgreens, you will want o purchase airtight storage containers that will protect your microgreens from damage. Wrap your chervil microgreens in a clean paper towel to absorb any moisture. When ready to use, the microgreens will need a quick rinse and dried on a paper towel before enjoying.
Chervil microgreens are delicious and so easy to grow. The undertones of anise, parsley, and tarragon work beautifully with egg dishes, sauces, and casseroles. Micro chervil can also be used in salads, as a garnish for your roasted vegetables, and even added to desserts for visual interest and enhanced taste.
