Umbellifers (Apiaceae) Umbellifers include fennel, celery, root vegetables such as carrots and parsnips, and herbs such as parsley and cilantro. Note that their leaves and umbrella-shaped flowers are very similar. Many umbellifers are cool-season crops, especially carrots, parsnips, and parsley, which prefer spring and fall. However, some (like dill and fennel) can grow in warmer months. Planting and harvesting umbellifers Planting and propagating Once umbellifers produce flowers, they will form seeds as the flowers dry. These seeds can then be collected and stored for planting next season. Since parsley and carrots are biennial, they take two growing seasons to produce seeds, so you’ll need to wait until the second year…