Brussels Winter Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) is a unique, hardy herb and vegetable plant that has a mild, delicate flavor, making it a favorite in gourmet kitchens across Europe. Often referred to as “French parsley,” Chervil is part of the carrot family and is prized for its feathery, bright green leaves and sweet, anise-like flavor with a hint of parsley. This variety, known as Brussels Winter Chervil, is a cold-hardy heirloom variety that thrives in cool weather, making it perfect for extending the herb-growing season into winter months. Ideal for adding a fresh, herbal touch to salads, soups, or as a garnish, this versatile herb is a fantastic addition to any herb garden, container garden, or kitchen windowsill.

Key Features:

• Mild, Anise-Like Flavor: Chervil has a subtle flavor reminiscent of parsley with a mild licorice or anise twist, making it ideal for enhancing a variety of dishes without overpowering them.
• Cold-Hardy: This Brussels Winter variety is more tolerant of cold weather than other chervil varieties, allowing for planting in early spring or late fall, making it perfect for cooler climates and extending your harvest.
• Gourmet Herb: Known for its culinary versatility, chervil is an essential herb in French cuisine, especially in herb blends like fines herbes, and is used in a wide range of dishes including salads, soups, sauces, and as a garnish.
• Heirloom Variety: Brussels Winter Chervil is an heirloom variety, ensuring that you are growing a traditional and time-honored plant with superior flavor and quality.
• Easy to Grow: This herb is easy to grow, making it perfect for gardeners of all experience levels. It grows well in a variety of conditions and can even be grown indoors in containers or on windowsills.

Growing Information:

• Light: Brussels Winter Chervil prefers partial to full sun. In warmer climates, it will benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent bolting (going to seed) too early. In cooler climates, full sun will yield the best growth.
• Soil: Chervil thrives in well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Amend your soil with compost or organic matter to ensure healthy growth.
• Planting Tips:
  • Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or late summer for a fall or winter harvest. Chervil is well-suited to cooler growing conditions, and you can even plant it in late fall for an early spring harvest.
  • Plant seeds about 1/8 inch deep and space them 6-8 inches apart. Chervil does not need to be thinned if spaced properly.
  • For best results, sow in rows or scatter the seeds in containers for easy harvesting.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Chervil prefers cooler, humid conditions, so regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Be cautious of overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
• Maintenance: Chervil requires very little care once established. It does benefit from occasional harvesting, which can promote further growth. Trim the outer leaves or entire stems as needed for cooking or garnishing.
• Companion Planting: Chervil grows well with other herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and dill. It can also be planted alongside lettuce, spinach, and other cool-weather vegetables.

Benefits:

• Culinary Versatility: Brussels Winter Chervil is perfect for gourmet dishes. Its delicate flavor complements eggs, chicken, fish, and salads. It can be used fresh or dried, though it is most commonly added fresh to preserve its flavor.
• Cold Tolerance: Its cold-hardiness makes this variety a great option for gardeners in cooler climates. It can grow well into the winter months, extending the harvest season.
• Nutritional Benefits: Chervil is a good source of vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, offering a mild yet nutritious addition to your diet.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With its feathery green foliage, chervil adds texture and color to your garden or windowsill, making it a pleasant plant to look at while providing fresh culinary herbs year-round.
• Heirloom Quality: As an heirloom variety, Brussels Winter Chervil is grown from seeds that have been passed down through generations, ensuring superior taste, quality, and sustainability.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 4-9. Chervil thrives in cooler climates but can be grown in warmer areas if provided with partial shade during the hotter months.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Garden: Chervil can be grown as part of a mixed herb garden, adding flavor and texture to your outdoor space. Its cold tolerance allows it to be a standout herb in both early spring and late fall plantings.
• Container Gardening: Perfect for containers, Brussels Winter Chervil can be grown indoors or on patios, making it an excellent choice for urban gardeners or those with limited garden space. It’s ideal for growing on windowsills or balcony gardens where you can enjoy easy access to fresh herbs.
• Companion Planting: Use chervil to complement other cool-season crops such as lettuce, spinach, and radishes. Its growth habits can help shade and protect delicate vegetables from the sun, and it also works well with other herbs like parsley and cilantro.

Conclusion: Brussels Winter Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) is a gourmet, cold-hardy herb that offers a mild, anise-like flavor perfect for fresh salads, garnishes, sauces, and soups. With 200 seeds in this packet, you'll be able to enjoy a continuous supply of this tender, nutritious green throughout the colder months. Whether you're a beginner or experienced gardener, Chervil is easy to grow and care for, thriving in cool conditions and adding a delightful culinary touch to your dishes. Its heirloom quality, culinary versatility, and cold tolerance make it a must-have herb for any kitchen garden. Plant Brussels Winter Chervil today and enjoy this flavorful, hardy green in your meals year-round.