Does anyone have any hints on starting chervil from seed? I know it has a longer germination period (14-21 days), but so far I've tried seed from 2 different sources and haven't gotten so much as a sprout. I have it in my standard seed germinating mix, lightly covered with vermiculite. I put one batch on a heat mat (even though I don't know that it needs the extra heat). Any other suggestions?

Update: I finally have some sprouts in the cell-pack I seeded on March 1. These are even slower than stevia!!! Still just cotyledons--can't imagine how long it will take to get the first set of true leaves. Heat mat does not seem to matter....these babies just take time.

That's great!

Hi. I was looking at all the threads on herbs and found this. mom2goldens I direct sow chervil. It is a really good candidate for direct sowing.

I'll have to try that--thank you. None of my little seedlings really thrived after transplanting them. Perhaps they are one of those plants that are a little picky about being transplanted?

Maybe so mom2.

I've planted in pots in the early fall...in my climate that's the best time...they overwinter as plants and flower when it gets warm enough in the spring. Got pretty good germination last time and harvested as needed until flowering occurred!

Has anyone tried winter sowing Chervil ?

I've not tried this Caroline, but everything I've read seems to indicate that warmer temps are better for germination. This is not a perennial in our zone, so don't think winter sowing would work. I appreciate the suggestion, though.

Since I first posted this, my results have been mixed. Some years germination is great; other years it is a struggle. Always the same germination conditions.

I ordered seeds so maybe will try a few under different conditions.

Chervil germinates best when planted shallowly and kept warm and moist. I start my in late summer and plant as a winter herb because it bolts in summer for me.

I don't see why winter sowing wouldn't work though as the seed remains dormant until it is time to germinate. Certainly worth a try.