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When to plant Chervil in Smith County, MS

Plant Chervil in Smith County after March 13; the prime window is February 27–March 20. A second sowing from September 4 to September 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chervil in Smith County, MS

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.

Smith County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.

At an elevation of 492 feet, Smith County receives approximately 58.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Chervil may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Chervil, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chervil root diseases.

Smith County, MS (Zone 8b) Long season
245 days
Last Spring Frost March 13
245 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Smith County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chervil

Chervil needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Chervil Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 5.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Smith County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Chervil Planting Timeline — Smith County, MS

Chervil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Direct Sow February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 20
Harvest April 17 Apr 17 – Jun 19
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 – Sep 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

245 days in Smith County

Growing Tips for Smith County

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 Smith County, MS?

Smith County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Chervil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Smith County, MS?

Smith County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Chervil in Smith County, MS?

In Smith County, MS, plant Chervil after the last frost (around March 13) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Smith County, MS for Chervil?

Smith County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Chervil grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chervil grow in Smith County's climate?

Yes — Chervil grows well in Smith County's temperate climate. Smith County averages a 245-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 13 and first frost around November 13.

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Your Smith County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Smith County (Zone 8b). 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 Smith County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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