Chervil comes in two varieties; curly leafed and flat leafed and has a flavour resembling a mixture of aniseed and caraway. It is well worth growing; especially as it is known to repel slugs!

Chervil is a hardy plant and is best grown in a semi-shaded spot. Full sun can cause Chervil to bolt.

If the Chervil plant is sheltered or moved indoors, you will be able to harvest throughout the winter also.

Chervil can be sown directly or in containers in compost or soil from March onwards, through the summer. Sow thinly and thin out the Chervil seedlings to allow approximately 6 inches apart.

Chervil is a cut and come again plant, where you can harvest the leaves regularly to encourage re-growth and take off the flowerheads to continue leaf growth. Young leaves should be ready for picking after approximately 6-8 weeks after sowing.

Chervil is best used fresh or used late in cooking to retain its flavour. Drying it is possible although, it does lose its flavour somewhat. You can freeze the leaves in water; an icetray is ideal.