Parsley is a valuable herb that is rich in iron and carotene. It is not only considered as herb that is grown only in the gardens although in the flower garden its foliage gives a pleasant back-ground, mostly for spring bulbs. Parsley farming requires good attention because poor soil and over-crowding can hinder germination.
Although parsley is a foreign vegetable some African countries are beginning to plant then in greater commercial purposes. Example is parsley farming in Kenya. We encourage vegetable farmers in Nigeria to look into this sector. Medically, parsley is used in cleansing the kidney etc.
Parsley is a biennial herb that is grown mostly in developed countries. Parsley herb is used in flavoring and garnishing foods such as salad,meats, soups, pottage food etc. Like other vegetables parsley farming can be successful just like water leaf farming.
Important things to know in parsley farming, parsley requires warmth for germination, a rich soil, deeply dug and plenty of space. Good agronomical management conditions will make parsley plant to develop into dark green domes that are a beauty to behold and to pick.
Parsley plant is slow in germinating and just like carrots and celery can suffer from bearing seeds with underdeveloped embryos.
The seeds of parsley require enough time to develop and mature when sown before the germinate. Parsley during their early planting stage are exposed to diseases and pests in the soil which is one of the reasons germination are delayed.
If parsley are planted very early, it will fail because the soil temperature is too low for quick germination and development.
PARSLEY VARIETIES
- Flat leaf parsley
- Curly leaf parsley
In this post you learn
- How to grow parsley
- Growing parsley from cuttings
- How to grow parsley for supermarket
- Transplanting parsley
- How to harvest parsley
LAND PREPARATION
Clear the soil and prepare beds, it should be done in such a way that the soil get loosen or tilted. This is because the herb has a long tap root, penetration into the soil will not be difficult.
The ideal soil for parsley farming is a well drained sandy-loam moist soil rich in organic matter.
PH should be between 6.0-7.0. Parsley need enough sunlight to do well about 6 hours of exposure but it can also tolerant partial shade.
GERMINATION IN PARSLEY FARMING
Parsley farming should be done twice a year during dry season and rainy season so that we can have it all year round. They are planted directly into the soil. Parsley seeds will take up to 3 months and above to germinate. To reduce the time, soak the parsley seeds over night in mild warm water before planting.
This herb germinates at temperatures from 40-90°F. The optimum temperature is 80°F with a drop during the night to 68°F, when temperature is lower’ germination will also take a longer time. If you want to plant them early do so indoors in containers at a room temperature, germination will only take 7 days after which you transfer them to the farm.
Indoor planting should be done in early February so that they can be transplanted outside the field in April. Another way is by fluid sowing where pre-germinated seedlings are piped along the drill in an inert gel. This method is said to be the best from research because it results in good and early germination. They should be planted in drills 1/2-3/4″ deep, in rows with spacing 12 inches apart.
IRRIGATION/MULCHING
Water the beds very well during dry season before planting parsley, if it fails then try mixing damp peat with the seeds before sowing. Make sure water is applied to the soil consistently. After germination apply water gently throughout its life cycle. But allow the soil to dry before applying another water.
Mulching should be done to discourage moisture loss and weed germination.
THINNING/FERTILIZER APPLICATION
Remember, they require enough room so After germination, thin out before the seedlings begin to crowd and leave each plant with 12 inches of space at the end.
Fertilizer should be applied to the soil every 4 weeks.
PEST AND DISEASES IN PARSLEY FARMING
Stem rot, stem leaf spots are diseases of parsley while pests are spider mites, aphids and white flies. Use recommended pesticide, maintain good agronomy management, treat soil before planting and use healthy parsley seeds for planting.
HARVESTING
Parsley matures when the leaf stem have up to 3 segments. Harvest should be 70-90 days from planting (2 and half months to 3 months).
Light picking can commence 85-90 days from sowing and from then on should be carried out regularly along the row. It will ensure a constant supply of fresh leaves. You can dry the ones you did not use for storage and preservation or put the in the compost heap.
If you stop picking, the foliage will get coarse. For parsley commercial purposes cut the stem off because both stalk and leaves can be eaten. While few leaves can be picked for domestic use.
Cut the outermost stall above ground level, it will encourage vigorous growth. If you cut near the top of the stalks it will not support rapid growth. They will start to produce seed after 1year by then there won’t be any need to harvest them again.
MARKETING
Sale to market women, super markets, traditional herbalist, pharmacautical companies etc. Advertise your parsley business on social media to attract many buyers.
CONCLUSION
We have only but few farmers who are into parsley farming while consumption is increasing. So anybody who is into their cultivation can make a fortune from it.
Contact us, if you need parsley seeds for planting and for fresh exotic vegetables such as; cauliflower, celery, raddish, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce etc. Call: 080 359 65405
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