When to Plant Chervil in Kent County, DE
Chervil is a delicate herb with a subtle anise-parsley flavor, essential in French cuisine as part of fines herbes. It prefers cool conditions and partial shade.
Kent County, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.
At an elevation of 128 feet, Kent County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chervil during the growing season.
Kent County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Kent County
How your county's soil matches Chervil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Chervil's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kent County is excellent for Chervil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Chervil.
How to Plant Chervil
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chervil
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 26.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chervil
Chervil needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chervil Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Kent County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chervil Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chervil Planting Timeline — Kent County, DE
Chervil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 26 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
216 days in Kent County
Growing Tips for Chervil in Kent County
Direct sow Chervil outdoors after April 02 in Kent County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 216.0-day season in Kent County allows multiple plantings of Chervil. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Chervil in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in early spring or fall as chervil bolts in heat. Provide shade and cool conditions. Harvest outer leaves as needed; use fresh as it loses flavor when dried.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chervil in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chervil in Kent County, DE?
Kent County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Chervil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kent County, DE?
Kent County, Delaware is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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