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When to plant Chervil in Lake County, FL

In Zone 9b (Lake County), direct-sow Chervil between January 22 and February 12 for spring, after the February 12 last-frost mark. A second sowing from October 16 to October 30 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chervil in Lake County, FL

Lake County, Florida Zone 9b June

What to do in June

June is a pivotal month for Lake County, Florida gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost February 12
Avg. first frost December 11
Soil temp (4") 86°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs

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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.

Lake County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 302 days.

At an elevation of 130 feet, Lake County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Chervil may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chervil will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chervil root diseases.

Lake County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
302 days
Last Spring Frost February 12
302 growing days
First Fall Frost December 11

Lake County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-5.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Chervil Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (210 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 29 Transplant: Jan 19 🍅 Harvest: Mar 2 – May 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (204 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 15 Transplant: Feb 5 🍅 Harvest: Mar 19 – May 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (197 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Feb 27 🍅 Harvest: Apr 10 – Jun 12

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 Lake County

How your county's soil matches Chervil's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.1–5.7) is more acidic than Chervil prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Lake County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chervil will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Chervil.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Chervil.

How to Plant Chervil

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Chervil

9
successive plantings in your 302-day season

Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 12 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 16.

Chervil Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.2" 2.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Mar 2.2" 3.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 2.2" 2.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 2.2" 3.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 8.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 2.2" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.2" 2.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 2.2" 2.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Lake 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 needs ~1,138 GDD — county provides 6,893 GDD Excellent fit

Chervil Planting Timeline — Lake County, FL

Chervil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 15 Jan 15 – Jan 29
Transplant Outdoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Direct Sow January 22 Jan 22 – Feb 12
Harvest March 19 Mar 19 – May 21
Fall Sowing October 16 Oct 16 – Oct 30

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Harvest
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
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: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

302 days in Lake County

Growing Tips for Chervil in Lake County

Direct sow Chervil outdoors after February 12 in Lake County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Lake County dries quickly — mulch Chervil with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

With summer highs reaching 97°F in Lake County, provide afternoon shade for Chervil and water deeply in the morning.

Your generous 303.0-day season in Lake 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chervil in Lake County, FL?

Lake County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 12. Plan your Chervil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lake County, FL?

Lake County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and first fall frost is December 11.

When should I plant Chervil in Lake County, FL?

In Lake County, FL, plant Chervil after the last frost (around February 12) and before the first frost (around December 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lake County, FL for Chervil?

Lake County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Chervil grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chervil grow in Lake County's climate?

Yes — Chervil grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 303-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 12 and first frost around December 11.

🌱

Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lake County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.