Anthriscus cerefolium Umbelliferae

CULTIVATION Chervil is a hardy annual with aromatic, lacy, light-green leaves and delicate white clusters of flowers from late spring. It grows to a height of 20-30cm (8-12in) and prefers loamy, well-drained soil and light shade. Propagate it by sowing seeds (it will often self-seed) from spring until late summer for a continuous crop of its lacy leaves, and thin or plant seedlings 15 cm (6in) apart. Harvest the leaves and flowers whenever they are available. Pick the herb just before adding it to a dish and cut down the tall stems to stimulate the plant to produce more fresh, tender leaves. Chervil can be grown as a garden, border, container and conservatory herb.