Parsley and Cilantro
Parsley and Cilantro Evonne GongIntroduction
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
Type | Variety |
---|---|
Cilantro | Advanced Turbo II (BB) Calypso Caribe Confetti Cruiser (B) Leisure Longstanding Marino Pallas Santo |
Parsley - Curly Leaf | Banquet Darki Double Curled Forest Green Grune Perle Jade Katinka Krausa Moss Wega |
Parsley - Flat Leaf | Dark Green Italian Plain Giant of Italy Laika Peione (DM) |
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 cilantro microgreen 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 3-5 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 95-100% relative humidity, and in coolers separate from ethylene-producing crops. Stored properly, both crops can keep for 2+ weeks.
Parsley and Cilantro Disease Control
Parsley and Cilantro Disease Control Evonne GongNOTES: For the disease control products listed below, one product trade name and formulation are 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 26 and Fungicides and Bactericides Alphabetically Listed 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 symptoms are 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 and 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.
- Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (DoubleNickel 55)OG: 0.25 to 3.0 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4, Group BM02. See label for application methods, rates, and restrictions.
- basic copper sulfate (Cuprofix Ultra 40 Disperss): 1.3lbs/A (cilantro); REI 48h, Group M01. See label for phytotoxicity restrictions. Do not apply more than once every 10 days.
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 Apiaceous plants. Maintain adequate fertilizer and irrigation programs to ensure plant health. Drought stress may be lessened with mulching. Use resistant cultivars when available.
- fluopyram (Velum Prime): PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 7. See label for application rates and restrictions.
- fluxapyroxad plus pyraclostrobin (Merivon Xemium): 4.0 to 11.0 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Groups 7 & 11. Parsley only.
- Reynoutria sachalinensis extract (Regalia) OG: PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group P05. See label for rates, application methods, and restrictions.
- Streptomyces lydicus strain WYEC 108 (Actinovate AG) OG: PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02. See label for application rates. Apply to foliage with spreader-sticker for best results.
- Swinglea glutinosa extract (EcoSwing) OG: PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02. May be used in enclosed spaces. See label for application rates and restrictions.
Root rot (Pythium and Phytophthora spp.)
These pathogens are soil-borne and cause severe symptoms 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. May be used pre-plant or as soil spray.
- Trichoderma asperellum (ICC 012) plus T. gamsii (ICC 080) (Bio-Tam 2.0) OG: See label for application rates; REI 4h, Group BM02. See label for in-furrow, drench, and broadcast application instructions.
Septoria blight (Septoria petroselini)
Severe disease outbreaks can significantly reduce 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.
- cyprodinil (Switch 62.5 WG): 11.0 to 14.0 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Groups 9 & 12. Cilantro only.
- penthiopyrad (Fontelis): 14.0 to 24.0 fl oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Group 7.
- pydiflumetofen plus fludioxonil (Miravis Prime): 9.2 to 13.4 fl oz/A, PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 7 & 12. See label for application restrictions.
- pyraclostrobin (Cabrio EG): 12.0 to 16.0 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 11. Parsley only.
White Mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum)
Start with certified seed that is free from sclerotia of the pathogen. Infected plants will wilt and a white, cottony fungal mass can often be observed 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 (ICC 012) plus T. gamsii (ICC 080) (Bio-Tam 2.0) OG: See label for application rates; REI 4h, Group BM02. See label for in-furrow, drench, and broadcast application instructions.
Parsley and Cilantro Insect Control
Parsley and Cilantro Insect Control Evonne GongNOTES: 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 27 and Insecticides Alphabetically Listed 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. Do not apply to crops in bloom.
- chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 3.5 to 5 oz/A parsley, 3.5 to 5 oz/A cilantro; 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. Not for imported cabbageworm.
- 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 cabbage looper, 7 to 13.5 oz/A other caterpillars; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28.
- cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A at planting, 6.75 to 10 oz/A chemigation; PHI 1d chemigation, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. Cabbage looper only. 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. Cabbage looper, beet armyworm and corn earworm only. Parsley only.
- malathion (Malathion 57EC): 1 to 2 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Imported cabbageworm and cabbage looper only.
- 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): 3 to 6 oz/A parsley, 4 to 6 oz/A cilantro; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Armyworms and cabbage looper only on cilantro.
- 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. Begin applications when first signs of feeding damage appear. Use higher rate for later season applications and heavier infestations. Use of an adjuvant is recommended. Parsley only.
- tolfenpyrad (Torac): 21 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 21A. Suppression only. Not for cabbage looper.
- zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.24 to 4 oz/A imported cabbageworm; 3.2 to 4 oz/A cabbage looper; 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 black and variegated cutworms.
Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.)
Parasitized crops will appear less vigorous, stunted, or nutrient-deficient 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.
Parsley and Cilantro Weed Control
Parsley and Cilantro Weed Control Evonne GongNOTES: 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 for information on the use of these herbicides or flaming.
- glyphosate (Roundup Power Max): PHI 7d, REI 4h, Group 9.
- pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 0.
Preemergent Herbicides (before weeds germinate)
- bensulide (Prefar 4E): REI 12h, Group 0. Parsley only. Apply 5-6 qt/A per application, only 1 application allowed per year. Apply before planting to soil relatively free of plant debris. Incorporate 1-2” into the soil within 36 hours by shallow cultivation or with water through irrigation or rainfall. Grass control only; should be supplemented with cultivation or another registered herbicide for broadleaf control.
Pre- and Postemergent Herbicides
- linuron (Lorox DF): PHI 30d parsley, 21d cilantro, 155d coriander seed, REI 24h or 8d, Group 5. For parsley, apply 1-3 lbs/A per application. Can be applied as a single broadcast application of 1-3 lbs/A after planting, but before the crop emerges. Do not exceed 3 lb/A per year if applying before crop emerges. Can also be applied as a single application of 1 lb/A after parsley has a minimum of 3 true leaves or crop injury may result. Apply when weeds are in the 1-3 true leaf stage. Do not exceed 1 lbs/A per year if applying after the crop emerges. Only apply after the crop emerges if growing in muck soil.
For cilantro, apply 1-2 lbs/A per application. Do not exceed a total of 4 lb/A per year. Can be applied as a single broadcast application of 1-2 lb/A after planting, but before the crop emerges. Plant seeds at least 0.5” deep. Use the lower rate on sandy soils and the higher rate on silt and clay soils. Can also be applied after the crop emerges using of 1-2 lb/A per application. Up to 2 applications allowed per year, a minimum of 14 days apart. Do not exceed the seasonal maximum of 4 lbs/A per year in total (with applications before and after the crop emerges). Apply after cilantro has a minimum of 3 true leaves and weeds are in the 1-3 true leaf stage. Early crop injury can occur, however the effect should be transitory, with no yield losses attributable to crop injury.
Has not been tested on all varieties; crop tolerance should be verified before treating the entire field. Moisture is needed to activate Lorox; best results are obtained when application is made to moist soil, i.e., applied after at least 0.5” of water through rain or irrigation. Do not exceed 40 psi spray nozzle pressure or apply when the temperature is over 85°F. Lorox activity is higher if it has been cloudy for 3 or more days, so reduce the application rate if these conditions are met. - prometryn (Caparol 4L): PHI 30d, REI 12h or 48h, Group 5. For cilantro, apply 2-3.2 pts/A per application. Do not exceed 3.2 lbs/A per crop cycle or 6.4 lbs/A per year. Apply as a broadcast application before planting or after seeding, but before crop has emerged.
For parsley, apply 1 pt/A per application, up to 3 applications allowed per year. Do not exceed 3 pts/A per year. Can be applied as a broadcast application up to 14 days after planting. Can also be applied up to 30 days prior to harvest and again up to 30 days prior to the second cutting/harvest.
Use the lower rate on sandy soils and the higher rate on silt and clay soils. To avoid crop injury, do not use on sand or loamy sand soils, or if crop is under water stress.
Postemergent Herbicides (after weeds germinate)
- carfentrazone-ethyl (Aim EC): PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 14. Apply 0.5-2 oz/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year. Do not exceed 6.1 oz/A per year. Apply as a hooded application, as a preplant burndown no later than 7 day before planting by seed or immediately before transplanting crops.
- clethodim (Select Max): PHI 20d, REI 24h, Group 1. Apply 9-16 oz/A per application, up to 4 applications allowed per year, a minimum of 14 days apart. Do not exceed 64 oz/A per year. Apply to actively growing grasses. Add 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (1 qt/100 gal of spray). Can also be applied as a spot-spray by mixing 0.33-0.66% (0.44-0.85 oz/gal) Select Max and 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (0.33 oz/gal). Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.
- clomazone (Command 3ME): PHI 50d, REI 12h, Group 13. Dried parsley and fresh cilantro only. Apply 10.7 oz/A per application, only 1 application per year. Apply after seeding but before crop has emerged to the soil in a minimum of 10 gal/A of spray. Has not been tested extensively in our region; tolerance should be verified before treating the entire field.
- glyphosate (Roundup Power Max): PHI 7d cilantro and dried parsley, 14d fresh parsley, REI 4h, Group 9. Apply 10 oz to 3.1 qts/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year. Do not exceed 5 qts/A per year. Rate based on target weed species. Can be applied during fallow intervals, prior to planting or transplanting, at planting, or before crop has emerged. Could cause injury when applied prior to transplanting or direct-seeding into plastic mulch. Remove residual product from plastic mulch with a 0.5” of water through irrigation or rainfall prior to planting.
- pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 0. Apply a 3-10% solution (3-10 gal/100 gal of spray). Apply in 75-200 gal/A of spray. Can use preplant, or as a directed and shielded spray during crop growth. Avoid contact with foliage or crop damage may occur. Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.
- sethoxydim (Poast): PHI 15d, REI 12h, Group 1. Apply up to 1.5 pt/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year, a minimum of 14 days apart. Do not exceed 3 pts/A per year. Apply to actively growing grasses. Use with crop oil concentrate (2 pt/A) or methylated seed oil (1.5 pt/A). Crop oil can cause injury under hot and humid conditions. Can also be applied as a spot-spray by mixing 1-1.5% (1.3-1.9 oz/gal) Poast and 1% v:v crop oil concentrate (1.3 oz/gal). Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.