Optimizing Sowing Density for Parsley, Cilantro, and Sage in Controlled Environment Production: Balancing Productivity and Plant Quality

Abstract

Sowing density is a key management practice influencing productivity and quality of leafy greens and culinary herbs grown in controlled environments. However, research-based information on optimal density is limited for many culinary herbs. This greenhouse study aimed to quantify sowing density impacts on biomass output, individual plant growth, and morphological traits in hydroponically produced ‘Giant of Italy’ parsley (Petroselinum crispum), ‘Santo’ cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), and sage (Salvia officinalis). Seedlings were grown in phenolic foam cubes with 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20 seeds per cell, transplanted into an ebb-and-flow hydroponic system in a glass-glazed greenhouse with 23 °C target average daily temperature, 16-hour photoperiod, a target daily light integral of 13 mol·m−2·d−1, and harvested at 16 to 28 d after transplanting depending on species. ‘Giant of Italy’ parsley and ‘Santo’ cilantro fresh weight per cell increased quadratically by 274% (57.3 g) and 305% (19 g), respectively, as sowing density increased from 1 to 15 seeds per cell, then plateaued as density further increased. Sage fresh weight plateaued at 10 seeds per cell with an increase of 225% (29.2 g) compared with 1 seed per cell. Cilantro and sage dry weight per cell plateaued at 14 and 8 seeds per cell, respectively, and parsley dry weight quadratically increased as sowing density rose up to 20 seeds per cell. Although fresh and dry weight increased, individual plant height, stem diameter, and individual plant dry weight exhibited linear or quadratic declines as sowing density increased, indicating higher sowing densities restricted individual plant growth. In summary, as sowing density increased, fresh and dry weight per cell generally increased but individual plant quality decreased. For the greatest fresh and dry weight, 20, 18, and 10 seeds per cell should be sown for parsley, cilantro, and sage, respectively. However, to balance fresh weight and crop quality, our results suggest sowing density (seeds per cell) targets of 16 seeds for parsley, 18 seeds for cilantro, and 10 seeds for sage.