Start indoors or direct sow?

Direct sow chervil because it has a delicate root system and does not transplant especially well. It is well suited to a partly shaded garden bed or container.

When to start Chervil seeds

Sow outdoors 2 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost, then make repeat sowings every 2 to 3 weeks while weather remains cool. For fall growing, sow about 6 to 8 weeks before the first fall frost.

How to sow the seeds

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in finely prepared, moist soil, placing them in short rows or broad bands. In containers, use fresh potting mix in a pot at least 6 inches deep and sow thinly.

Germination

Chervil commonly germinates in 7 to 21 days, and fresh seed is most dependable. Keep the soil evenly moist and cool, ideally around 55 to 70 F.

Seedling care

Provide partial shade, especially as spring warms, and water enough to keep soil from drying out completely. Thin seedlings to about 4 to 6 inches apart, avoid crowding and overhead soaking, and maintain airflow to reduce damping off.

Transplanting & hardening off

Direct sown, so no transplanting is needed. If started in a container for convenience, sow directly into its final container rather than moving seedlings.

Tips

Use fresh seed and label each sowing date, since chervil seed loses viability relatively quickly. Harvest outer leaves often, and resow when plants begin to stretch or form flower stalks.

General seed-starting guidance for US home gardens; timing depends on your local frost dates and variety. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.