How to Grow Tuberous Chervil
Chaerophyllum bulbosum
Tuberous chervil is an old-fashioned root vegetable grown for its chestnut-flavoured, anise-scented parsnip-like roots. Sow seeds fresh in autumn — they need cold to break dormancy. Plants grow leafy tops in spring, flower in early summer, then die back. Lift roots in July–August after dieback and store for 2–4 weeks before eating to develop their best flavour. Tolerates partial shade and grows well in deep, well-drained soil. A patient crop well worth rediscovering.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 3°C — typically early to mid spring. Hardy enough to tolerate light frosts.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Apply a balanced general fertiliser at sowing time. Tuberous chervil is not a heavy feeder; avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote foliage at the expense of root development.
- Tuberous chervil (Chaerophyllum bulbosum) is a different plant from common chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) — it is grown for its carrot-like root, not its leaves. Seeds require cold stratification and are best sown fresh in autumn or in early spring after a cold period.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 3°C+
- Germination temperature
- 2–10°C
- Direct sow
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 10 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 1 cm |
| Mature height | 80 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 3°C |
| Germination temperature | 2–10°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Tuberous Chervil?
- Plant Tuberous Chervil 10cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Tuberous Chervil?
- Tuberous Chervil is ready to harvest approximately 120 days after transplanting.
- Is Tuberous Chervil frost hardy?
- Tuberous Chervil is classified as Hardy.
