What hardiness zones is Anthriscus cerefolium suitable for?

Anthriscus cerefolium is an annual herb reaching 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall with a spread of 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) and an upright, lacy habit. Native to Europe and western Asia—Caucasus region—it produces delicate, finely divided, fern-like, bright green leaves with a subtle anise-parsley flavor. Small umbels of tiny white flowers appear when temperatures exceed 70°F (21°C)—flowering ends the leaf harvest as flavor turns bitter. Growth rate is fast. Cool-season annual—bolts quickly in heat. Days to maturity 40-60 from direct sow. One of the French fines herbes (with parsley, tarragon, and chives). Flavor diminishes with drying—use fresh. Self-seeds readily in favorable conditions.

Native Range

Anthriscus cerefolium is native to Europe and western Asia—particularly the Caucasus region—in woodland edges, hedgerows, and moist shaded areas.

Suggested Uses

Grown in herb and vegetable gardens for culinary use—French fines herbes, eggs, fish, salads, soups, sauces. Subtle anise-parsley flavor. Use fresh—loses flavor dried. Cool-season only. 40-60 days. Succession sow. Part shade tolerant. Bolts quickly in heat above 70°F. Not suitable for hot climates, dried herb use, or long-season harvest without succession sowing.

How to Identify

Distinguished from parsley (Petroselinum crispum) by the more finely divided, lighter green leaves and the anise (versus plain parsley) flavor. Distinguished from cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) by the fern-like (versus broad-lobed) leaves and the anise (versus citrus-pungent) flavor. Chervil—finely divided fern-like leaves, subtle anise-parsley, French fines herbes, cool-season, bolts in heat.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'

Width/Spread8" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Small umbels of tiny white flowers when temperatures exceed 70°F (21°C). Flowering signals end of useful leaf harvest—flavor turns bitter. Bolts quickly in heat. Succession sow to maintain supply.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White; tiny; small umbels; signals bolting—end of harvest

Foliage Description

Bright green; finely divided fern-like; delicate lacy texture

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

40-60 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or in late summer for fall harvest. Does not transplant well—direct sow preferred. Part shade, moist, humus-rich soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Cool-season—bolts quickly above 70°F (21°C). Succession sow every 2-3 weeks. Days to maturity 40-60 from direct sow. Use fresh—flavor diminishes with drying or cooking.

Pruning

Harvest outer leaves regularly, leaving center to continue growing. Cut entire plant at 2 inches (5 cm) for a final harvest before bolting. Allow some plants to flower and self-seed.