When to Plant Chervil in Prince Albert, SK
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.
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.
At an elevation of 1,404 feet, Prince Albert receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly dark brown chernozem soil. Summer highs average 67°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chervil to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chervil successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Prince Albert Soil Profile
Soil Type
Dark Brown Chernozem
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
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.
How to Plant Chervil
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
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 | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 0.9" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0.9" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.9" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Prince Albert). 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 — Prince Albert, SK
Chervil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 |
| Fall Sowing | July 4 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
127 days in Prince Albert
Growing Tips for Chervil in Prince Albert
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 Prince Albert, SK?
Prince Albert is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Chervil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Prince Albert, SK?
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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