Turnip-Rooted Chervil
Chaerophyllum bulbosum
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Pl. 58ED — Chaerophyllum bulbosum
Chaerophyllum bulbosumChaerophyllum bulbosumChaerophyllum bulbosumChaerophyllum bulbosumChaerophyllum bulbosumChaerophyllum bulbosumChaerophyllum bulbosumChaerophyllum bulbosumChaerophyllum bulbosumChaerophyllum bulbosumChaerophyllum bulbosumChaerophyllum bulbosumChaerophyllum bulbosumChaerophyllum bulbosum
IOverview
Overview
Turnip-Rooted Chervil (Chaerophyllum bulbosum) is a biennial herb native to central and eastern Europe, as well as parts of Asia and the Caucasus. This plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions. It can grow up to 1.2 meters tall and is known for its edible roots and stems, which are often used in culinary applications. Found across a wide range including Austria, Bulgaria, France, and parts of Russia, Turnip-Rooted Chervil stands out with its distinctive bulbous root, setting it apart from other chervils.
Quick answers
What is Turnip-Rooted Chervil?
Turnip-Rooted Chervil (Chaerophyllum bulbosum) is a biennial herb native to central and eastern Europe, as well as parts of Asia and the Caucasus. This plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Turnip-Rooted Chervil thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH of 7.5–8 and prefers partial shade to full sun. It grows best in zones 5-9 and reaches heights of up to 1.2 meters. For propagation, use seeds sown directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. The plant is hardy but may require protection during colder winters. Harvest stems and roots for culinary use throughout the growing season.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Turnip-Rooted Chervil for the first time
8steps
Start with Turnip-Rooted Chervil as a simple, low-maintenance herb for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a garden fork.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in late summer for fall harvests.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 7.5-8, and prepare by loosening the topsoil with a garden fork.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep and 20 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart; for transplants, space them about 20 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Thin seedlings to ensure they have enough space as they grow.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune stems after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding; harvest roots when they are large enough, usually after the second year.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to thin seedlings, and not providing enough space between plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:RootStem
Edible uses: The turnip-rooted chervil is eaten for its roots and stems. The roots can be cooked or eaten raw, while the stems are typically used in salads or cooked dishes. Both parts of the plant can also be dried for later use. Skip the detailed preparation methods as they were not provided.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
27 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
27 native · 3 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 27 native· 3 introduced
Europe16 regions
native (13)AustriaBelarusBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceItalyNetherlandsPolandRomaniaRussiaSwitzerlandUkraine
introduced (3)BelgiumDenmarkFinland
Asia4 regions
native (4)IranKazakhstanTurkeyTurkmenistan
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Kirgizstan, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 58ed62ec-4e4b-46e1-97b0-c8f7cd1d8896
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