This annual is similar in appearance to parsley and grows to a height of 2ft (60cm). Its leaves are very delicate and fernlike and it has small white flowers.

It prefers a light, well drained but moist soil and needs light shade in mid summer and full sun in autumn. If sown regularly from spring through the summer, fresh leaves can be harvested for most of the year. The plants will take 4-5 weeks to reach maturity. To prevent the plants from running to seed too early, pick off any flowers as they appear.

Pick leaves about 6 weeks after sowing and before the flowers form.

Usually used in cooking, the leaves have a slight aniseed taste.