Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
Yes, you can plant cilantro with chives, and they actually make excellent companion plants in the garden.
Both are relatively low-maintenance herbs that enjoy similar growing conditions, so pairing them together is a smart move for any herb garden.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can plant cilantro with chives without one crowding out the other, the good news is that these two get along just fine.
In this post, we’ll explore why cilantro and chives grow well together, the best ways to plant them, and a few tips to keep both thriving all season long.
Let’s dig in.
Why You Can Plant Cilantro With Chives
You can plant cilantro with chives because they share similar preferences for sunlight, soil, and water.
Here’s why this pairing works so well:
1. They Enjoy Similar Growing Conditions
Cilantro and chives both thrive in full sun to partial shade, making them easy to grow side by side.
They also prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter, so you won’t have to fuss over different soil mixes for each herb.
When you plant cilantro with chives, you’re basically giving them the same care routine.
2. They Have Different Root Systems
Cilantro has a deep taproot, while chives grow shallow, fibrous roots.
This means they aren’t competing for the same space underground.
You can plant cilantro with chives close together without worrying about one stealing nutrients from the other.
3. Chives Can Help Deter Pests
Chives are known for repelling aphids and other common garden pests thanks to their strong scent.
When you plant cilantro with chives, the chives act like a natural bodyguard for your cilantro.
This makes planting cilantro with chives a smart organic pest control strategy.
4. They Have Complementary Growth Habits
Cilantro grows upright with leafy stems, while chives grow in dense clumps of thin, grassy leaves.
This difference in structure means they don’t shade each other out when you plant cilantro with chives.
Instead, they fill in the gaps nicely, creating a fuller, more productive herb patch.
How to Plant Cilantro With Chives
Planting cilantro with chives is simple as long as you follow a few basic steps:
1. Choose the Right Spot
Pick a location that gets at least four to six hours of sunlight daily.
Both herbs appreciate a little afternoon shade in hotter climates, so a spot that gets morning sun works beautifully.
2. Prepare Well-Drained Soil
Mix in some compost or aged manure to give the soil good drainage and fertility.
Cilantro and chives both hate soggy roots, so raised beds or containers work great if your garden soil holds too much water.
3. Space Them Properly
When you plant cilantro with chives, give cilantro about six to eight inches of space and chives about eight to ten inches.
This gives both herbs room to spread without overcrowding each other.
4. Water Consistently
Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.
A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool, which both herbs love.
5. Harvest Regularly
Frequent harvesting encourages bushy growth and prevents bolting.
Snip chives from the base and pick cilantro leaves from the outside in to keep both plants productive.
Tips for Growing Cilantro With Chives Successfully
To get the most out of your cilantro and chives together, keep these tips in mind:
1. Watch for Bolting in Cilantro
Cilantro tends to bolt in hot weather, so plant it in partial shade or succession plant every few weeks.
Chives, on the other hand, handle heat better, so they’ll keep growing while you replant cilantro.
2. Divide Chives Every Few Years
Chive clumps multiply quickly and can become overcrowded.
Dig them up and divide them every two to three years to keep them healthy and vigorous.
3. Avoid Overwatering
While both herbs like moisture, soggy soil leads to root rot.
Let the top inch of soil dry out slightly between waterings.
4. Feed Lightly
A diluted liquid fertilizer once a month is plenty.
Too much nitrogen makes cilantro leggy and reduces flavor in chives.
5. Use Containers if Space Is Tight
You can absolutely plant cilantro with chives in the same pot.
Just choose a container at least twelve inches deep and wide enough to accommodate both root systems.
So, Can You Plant Cilantro With Chives?
You can plant cilantro with chives, and doing so comes with plenty of benefits.
They share similar sunlight, soil, and water needs, their root systems don’t compete, and chives even help keep pests away from your cilantro.
Whether you grow them in a garden bed, a raised bed, or a container, planting cilantro with chives is a smart way to maximize your herb harvest.
Just remember to give them proper spacing, consistent moisture, and regular harvesting, and you’ll have a thriving herb duo all season long.
Happy gardening.