Chaerophyllum bulbosum
chervil root
Common names: root chervil, earth chestnut
Photo: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen · Public Domain · Source
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Description
Chervil root (Chaerophyllum bulbosum) is a nearly forgotten root vegetable from the Apiaceae family that was prized in 19th‑century domestic gardens. Its small, roundish tubers taste sweet and chestnut‑like when cooked, with a delicate sweetness. The seed requires several weeks of cold to germinate, so sow in autumn rather than spring. The plant retreats in summer while the tubers continue to develop underground, ready for harvest the following year.
Care instructions
Sow the seeds in October or November directly into the garden; they need winter cold to germinate. Choose a loose, humus‑rich soil free of standing water, preferably a site that has not previously grown other Apiaceae. Keep the area weed‑free in spring once the fine leaves appear, as young plants grow slowly. Water moderately and allow the soil to dry out between waterings; the tuber does not tolerate waterlogging. Harvest from July when the foliage turns yellow and wilts; dig up the tubers and store them in a cool, dark place until the next sowing.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, humus-rich, loamy, nutrient-rich
Feeding
Medium feeder
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