Parsley and Cilantro

Introduction

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) both belong to the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family, along with several other crops such as carrot, celery, fennel, dill, and parsnip. Curly leaf parsley is most often used as a garnish, whereas flat leaf parsley is more often used as an ingredient. The fresh leaves of cilantro are commonly used in Mexican, South Asian, Indian and other cuisines; the dried seeds of the same plant are known as coriander. 

Types and Varieties

Cilantro and Parsley Varieties
Cilantro Parsley - Curly Leaf Parsley - Flat Leaf
Advanced Turbo II (BB) Banquet Dark Green Italian Plain
Calypso Darki Giant of Italy
Caribe Double Curled Laika
Confetti Forest Green Peione (DM)
Cruiser (B) Grune Perle  
Leisure Jade  
Longstanding Katinka  
Marino Krausa  
Pallas Moss  
Santo Wega  
B = Bolting resistant, BB = bacterial blight resistant, DM = downy mildew resistant

Soil Fertility

Maintain soil pH near 6.5, and maintain P and K in the high/optimum range. These crops do best in rich, well-drained soils.

Planting 

Parsley and cilantro can be transplanted or direct seeded. Transplants are recommended for parsley, which can take up to 3 weeks to germinate. For transplant production, seed into 72-cell trays. Transplant at 12-18” between and within rows. Cilantro germinates more rapidly, so direct seeding is recommended. Be mindful of reduced germination rates when using seed older than one year; doing a germination test ahead of planting is recommended so that adjustments to seeding rates can be made if necessary. If direct seeding, do so after the last frost. Direct seed 1/3’” deep at 20-40 lb/A (1-2 oz/100-row ft) into rows 12-18” apart. Cilantro grows well even when thickly sown and does not need to be thinned.

Cilantro seeds actually contain more than one seed each, similar to beets. Some varieties of cilantro are available as “split” or monogerm seed to improve planting precision. Split seeds tend to shed the seed coats more quickly as well, which can be helpful for micro cilantro production.

Culture and Harvest

Rotate away from Apiaceae crops to avoid soil-borne diseases. Parsley can be cut all at once or selectively. Selective cuttings of parsley can prolong harvests, and a well-maintained planting can be cut from three to five times in a season. Parsley can be overwintered in high tunnels. Cut leaves approximately 1" above the soil line to avoid damaging the growing point. Harvesting should begin in early July with a mid- to late April seeding date. Cilantro should be harvested before it begins to bolt, and only one harvest is possible. Sequential seedings can be made to ensure steady supply. 

Store cut parsley and cilantro at 32˚F with very high (95-100%) relative humidity, and in coolers separate from ethylene-producing crops. Stored properly, both crops can keep for 2+ weeks.

Disease Control

NOTE: For the disease control products listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (common name) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases there are other products available with the same active ingredient. Please see Table 25 and Fungicides and Bactericides Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on products with the same active ingredients.

The symbol OG   indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more detail.

Bacterial leaf spot of cilantro (Pseudomonas syringae pv coriandricola)

The initial symptoms of bacterial leaf spot are dark, water-soaked, vein-delimited spots on leaves. The spots rapidly turn dark brown in color, remain angular in shape, and can be seen from both top and bottom sides of leaves. If disease is severe, the foliage can take on a blighted appearance when leaf spots coalesce. The disease progresses rapidly during wet weather. Cilantro crops with significant amounts of this disease will be unmarketable. The causal bacterium is host specific to cilantro and does not infect celery or parsley. The pathogen is seedborne in cilantro. Thus, infested seed is the primary means by which the pathogen gets into the cilantro production system. The bacterium can also survive many years in the soil as an opportunistic bacterium. If bacterial leaf spot has been a problem, rotate out of cilantro for several years. Use management practices that promote airflow and do not work in this crop when wet. For both conventional and organic cilantro, the only foliar treatment available is a copper fungicide.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Strain D747 (DoubleNickel 55): 0.25 to 3.0 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4, Group 44.

basic copper sulfate (Cuprofix Ultra 40 Disperss): 2.0 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Group M1.

Powdery Mildew (Leveillula lanuginosa)

Disease development is favored by high humidity, moderate temperatures, and drought stress. Rain or overhead irrigation reduces disease severity. The pathogen can survive between crop cycles. Control wild and volunteer Apiaceae plants. Maintain adequate fertilizer and irrigation programs to ensure plant health. Drought stress may be lessened by mulching. Use resistant cultivars when available.

Root rot (Pythium and Phytophthora spp.)

These pathogens are soil-borne and most severe in cold, wet soils. Look for collapsed plants shortly after emergence. Provide good soil drainage and reduce soil compaction; raised beds may be useful.

mefenoxam (Ridomil Gold SL): 1.0 to 2.0 pt/A; PHI 21d, REI 48h, Group 4.

Trichoderma asperellum, T. gamsii (Bioten 2.0OG): See label for in-furrow, drench, and broadcast rates; REI 1h, Group NC.

Septoria blight (Septoria petroselini)

Severe disease can destroy crop quality. Symptoms appear as small lesions with small black specks in the center. The pathogen is seedborne and highly favored by rain and overhead irrigation. Start with certified, disease free seed or treat seed with hot water or fungicides. Inspect transplants before setting in the field and destroy infected plants. Rotate to crops outside of the Apiaceae family. Plant sequential plantings as far apart from one another as possible. Incorporate plant residues promptly after harvest.

White Mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum)

Start with certified seed that is free from sclerotia of the pathogen. Infected plants will wilt with a white, cottony fungal mass near the soil line. Rotate with non-host plants. Irrigate in the morning to promote drying of soil and foliage. This pathogen thrives in 50-70 ˚C temperatures and cool, damp conditions. Ten or more days of wet soil promotes infection. Soil sterilization with heat, chemicals, steam, or by biofumigation with brassica crops can reduce, but not eliminate, sclerotia.

Trichoderma asperellum, T. gamsii (Bio-tam 2.0OG): See label for in-furrow, drench, and broadcast rates; REI 1h, Group NC.

Insect Control

NOTES:  For the insecticides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (AI) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases there are other products available with the same AI. Please see Table 26 and Insecticides Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on these insecticides.

The designation (Bee: L, M, or H) indicates a bee toxicity rating of low, moderate, or high. See the Protecting Honeybees and Native Pollinators section for more details.

The symbol * indicates a product is a restricted use pesticide. See Pesticide Safety and Use for more details.

The symbol OG   indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more details.

Cabbage Looper, Imported Cabbageworm and Other Caterpillars

For more information, see cabbage looper and imported cabbageworm in the Cabbage section. Parsley worm, the larva of the black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes), may invade small plantings but are not abundant enough to reach pest status on larger plantings. Hand picking or selective insecticides provide control.

azadirachtin (Azatin OOG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group UN. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.

Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (XenTariOG): 0.5 to 1.5 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 11. Must be ingested; apply in evening or early morning, before larvae are actively feeding. Adherence and weather-fastness will improve with use of an approved spreader-sticker. Use high rate at cool temperatures. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt kurstaki products (Dipel).

Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Dipel DFOG): 0.5 to 2 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 11. Must be ingested; apply in evening or early morning, before larvae are actively feeding. Adherence and weather-fastness will improve with use of an approved spreader-sticker. Use high rate at cool temperatures. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt aizawai products (XenTari).

beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Parsley only.

carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 1 to 2 qt/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Not for cabbage looper.

chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 3.5 to 5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 28. May be applied to soil at planting, through drip chemigation and as a foliar spray. For soil applications, must be applied uniformly in the root zone. On cilantro, foliar applications only.

Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 1 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.

cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 10 to 17 oz/A loopers, 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A other caterpillars; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28. Parsley only.

cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting. Parsley only.

cyclaniliprole (Harvanta): 10.9 to 16.4 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28.

emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 3.2 to 4.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Cabbage looper only. Apply when larvae are first observed.

indoxacarb (Avaunt): 2.5 to 3.5 oz/A for CL, 3.5 to 6.0 oz/A for beet armyworm and corn earworm; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 22. For cabbage looper, beet armyworm and corn earworm only.

malathion (Malathion 57EC): 1 to 2 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 1B. For imported cabbageworm and cabbage looper.

methomyl (Lannate* LV): 1.5 to 3 pt/A; PHI 10d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Parsley only.

methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F): 4 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 18. Use lower rates when plants are small or infestations are light.

permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 3.2 to 12.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Not for imported cabbageworm. Parsley only.

pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.

sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 50 oz/100 gal; REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 25. Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper, sulfur or oils. Cabbage looper only.

spinetoram (Radiant SC): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5.

spinosad (Entrust SCOG): 1.5 to 8 oz/A parsley, 4 to 6 oz/A cilantro; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. See label for recommended rates for different caterpillar species.

tebufenozide (Confirm 2F): 6 to 8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 18. Use low rate for early season applications to young, small plants. Use of an adjuvant is recommended. Parsley only.

tolfenpyrad (Torac): 21 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 21A. Suppression of caterpillars only. Parsley only.

zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.4 to 4.3 oz/A for ICW; 3.4 to 4.3 oz/A for CL; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Carrot Weevil (Listronotus oregonensis)

Carrot weevil females lay eggs near the base of plants that have 4 or more true leaves, and larvae tunnel into root systems. Aboveground foliage will appear severely chlorotic. Symptoms are easily confused with those caused by Pythium; to distinguish, dig up yellowing or wilting plants. Carrot weevil larvae will cause orange gouges near the crown. Alternatively, if the roots appear shortened with reddish to orangish root tips, Pythium is the likely pathogen. See Carrot and Parsnip section for more information.

Cutworm 

Look for missing or cut-off plants. When this occurs, cutworms can often be found in nearby soil under clods, debris, or rocks. See cutworms in the Pepper and Tomato (Outdoor) sections for more information on the black and variegated cutworms.

Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.)

Parasitized crops will appear less vigorous, stunted, or nutrient-deficiency in circular patterns in the field. If suspected, carefully dig up the plant and look for galls; if present, send to diagnostic lab for confirmation. If confirmed, rotate with non-hosts such as cereals. Soil solarization or field fumigation in the fall may help reduce nematode populations.
 

Weed Control

NOTE:  For the herbicides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient along with preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), resistance management group number, and example of rates and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same active ingredient. However, not all products with the same active ingredient are registered for use in a crop. Always check the product label to be sure that the crop is listed before using. 

Stale Seedbed

See Stale Seedbed Technique in the Weed Management section. In place of herbicides, flaming can also be used.

glyphosate (Roundup Power Max): REI 12h, Group 9.

pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 17. Use a 3 -10% solution (3 to 10 gallons per 100 gallons).

Herbicides Used Preemergence, before weeds germinate

bensulide (Prefar 4E): REI 12h, Group 0.  Apply 5 to 6 qt/A. Can be preplant incorporated by shallow cultivation (1-2”) or applied preemergence and incorporated by irrigation within 36 hours of application. Grass control only; should be supplemented with cultivation or another registered herbicide for broadleaf control. See label for rotation restrictions.

Herbicides Used Pre- and Postemergence 

linuron (Lorox DF): PHI 30d for parsley, PHI 21d for cilantro, REI 4d for hand-set irrigation activity and REI 24h for all other activities, Group 5. Can be used preemergence or postemergence. Best results are obtained when application is made to moist soil (applied after at least ½ inch of rain or irrigation). Moisture is needed to activate Lorox, and applications should be followed by rainfall or irrigation.

For parsley, do not exceed a total of 3 lb/A per season. 

  • Parsley Preemergence: For mineral and muck soils, make a single broadcast application of 1 to 3 lb/A after planting, but before the crop emerges. Plant seeds at least ½ inch deep. Use lower rates on coarse soils and higher rates on heavier soils (soils high in clay and organic matter). Irrigation or rainfall of at least 1/2 inch prior to making application after planting is necessary for product activation.
  • Parsley Postemergence (Muck Soils Only): Make a single application of 1 lb/A to control emerged weeds. Apply after parsley has a minimum of 3 true leaves or crop injury may result. Apply when weeds are in the 1 to 3 true leaf stage.

For cilantro, varieties may vary in their susceptibility to injury from Lorox. Determine tolerance to Lorox prior to adoption as a field practice to prevent possible crop injury. Do not exceed a total of 4 lb/A per season. 

  • Cilantro Preemergence: Make a single broadcast application of 1 to 2 lb/A after planting, but before the crop emerges. Plant seeds at least ½ inch deep.  Use lower rates on coarse soils and higher rates on heavier soils (soils high in clay and organic matter). Additional postemergence applications may be made as long as the total does not exceed the seasonal maximum.
  • Cilantro Postemergence: Make up to two postemergence applications of 1-2 lb/A to control emerged weeds. Apply after cilantro has a minimum of 3 true leaves or crop injury may result. Apply when weeds are in the 1 to 3 true leaf stage. Early crop injury can occur, however the effect should be transitory, with no yield losses attributable to crop injury. A second application may be made 14 days following the first application but no later than 21 days before harvest.

prometryn (Caparol 4L):  PHI 30d, REI 12h, Group 5. Primarily controls annual broadleaf weeds. Annual grasses may only be suppressed. Use the lower rates on coarse-textured soils and soils low in organic matter; use the higher rates on fine-textured soils and soils high in organic matter. To avoid crop injury, do not use on sand or loamy sand soils, or apply if crop is under water stress.

For parsley, can be applied pre- and postemergence. Do not exceed a seasonal maximum of 3 lb/A. Make a single preemergence broadcast application of Caparol up to 14 days after planting (after seeding, but before crop emergence) at the rate of 1.0 pt/A. Follow with overhead irrigation if rainfall does not occur.

For extended weed control, a second postemergence application can be made at 1.0 pt/A up to 30 days prior to harvest. A third application at 1.0 pt/A can be made to the regrowth up to 30 days prior to the second (cutting) harvest. Do not make more than 3 application per year at a maximum of 1 pt/A per application.

For cilantro, use preemergence only. Make a single application of 2 – 3.2 pt/A of Caparol after seeding, but before cilantro emergence. Use the lower rates on coarse-textured soils and soils low in organic matter; use the higher rates on fine-textured soils and soils high in organic matter.

Herbicides Used Postemergence, after weeds germinate

carfentrazone (Aim EC): REI 12h, Group 14. Aim is a burndown herbicide and will injure any foliage it comes into contact with. Apply Aim to row middles of emerged crops with hooded sprayers to control emerged weeds, including crops grown on mulch or plastic. Prevent any spray from contacting the crop, or injury will occur. For best results, make application to actively growing weeds up to 4 inches tall and rosettes less than 3 inches across. Good coverage is essential for good control. Apply up to 2 oz/A per application, and do not exceed a total of 6.1 oz/ per season. 

clethodim (Select Max): PHI 14d, 24hr REI, Group 1.  Will control grass weeds only. Apply to actively growing grasses.  See label for rate selection.  Multiple applications permitted of 9 to 16 oz/A per application, minimum 14-days between applications, not to exceed 64 oz/A per year. Add 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (1 qt per 100 gal of spray).  Can also be used as a spot-spray by mixing 1/3-2/3% (0.44 to 0.85 oz per gallon) Select Max and 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (0.33 oz per gallon).  Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.

pelargonic acid (Scythe)PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 17. Use a 3 -10% solution (3 to 10 gallons per 100 gallons). Use a 3 to 5% solution for annual weeds, a 5 to 7% solution for biennial and perennial weeds, and 7 to 10% solution for maximum burndown. Delivery rate for boom applications should be 75 to 200 gals of spray solution per acre; complete coverage of weed foliage is essential. Use a DIRECTED/ SHIELDED SPRAY; contact with crop will cause injury. For hand-held equipment, spray to completely wet all weed foliage but not to the point of runoff. Repeat applications as necessary. Tank mixes are allowed with this product. See label for complete details.

sethoxydim (Poast): PHI 15d, REI 12h, Group 1. Controls grass weeds only. Apply to actively growing grasses (see product label for susceptible stage).  Maximum 1.5 pt/A per application, minimum 14-days between applications. Do not exceed 3 pt/A per year. Use with crop oil concentrate (2.0 pt/A) or methylated seed oil (1.5 pt/A).  Note that crop oil can cause injury under hot and humid conditions. Can also be used as a spot-spray by mixing 1-1.5% (1.3 to 1.9 oz per gallon) Poast and 1% v:v crop oil concentrate (1.3 oz per gallon). Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.

 

Note About Other Labeled Herbicides: Other products are labeled for use but limited local data are available for these and/or they are not recommended in our region due to potential crop injury concerns. These include clomazone (Command 3ME) (cilantro).