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Yes, you can plant cilantro with parsley, and they actually make great garden companions when you understand their needs.
Both are leafy green herbs that thrive in similar growing conditions, so pairing them together is a smart use of garden space.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can plant cilantro with parsley, the short answer is a resounding yes.
In this post, we’ll explore why planting cilantro with parsley works so well, how to do it properly, and what to watch out for.
Let’s dig in.
Why You Can Plant Cilantro With Parsley
You can plant cilantro with parsley because these two herbs share nearly identical growing requirements.
Here’s why they grow so well together.
1. They Love the Same Sunlight
Cilantro and parsley both thrive in partial shade to full sun.
When you plant cilantro with parsley, they’ll happily soak up the same light conditions without one outcompeting the other.
This makes them ideal companions in a shared bed or container.
2. They Prefer the Same Soil
Both herbs enjoy well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
If you can plant cilantro with parsley in the same soil mix, you’re creating a comfortable environment for both.
Parsley is a bit more tolerant of poor soil, while cilantro is a little fussier, but they overlap nicely.
3. They Need Similar Watering Schedules
Cilantro and parsley both like consistently moist soil, not soggy and not bone dry.
When you plant cilantro with parsley, you can water them together without worrying about overwatering one or underwatering the other.
Aim for about an inch of water per week for both.
4. They Grow Well in Containers Too
You can plant cilantro with parsley in the same pot as long as it’s deep enough.
A 12-inch container gives both herbs room for their roots to spread.
Just make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
How to Plant Cilantro With Parsley the Right Way
Planting cilantro with parsley is easy, but a little planning goes a long way.
Follow these steps for the best results.
1. Start With Quality Seeds or Seedlings
Cilantro grows quickly from seed, while parsley is slower to germinate.
If you plant cilantro with parsley from seed at the same time, the cilantro will sprout first and may shade the parsley.
A good trick is to start parsley seedlings indoors a few weeks earlier, then transplant them alongside cilantro seeds.
2. Space Them Properly
When you plant cilantro with parsley, give each herb about 6 to 8 inches of space.
Cilantro grows upright, while parsley forms a bushier rosette.
This spacing keeps air flowing between them and reduces the risk of disease.
3. Feed Them Lightly
Both herbs are light feeders.
If you plant cilantro with parsley, a diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks is plenty.
Too much nitrogen will make cilantro bolt faster and give parsley weak, leggy growth.
4. Harvest Regularly
Frequent harvesting keeps both herbs productive when you plant cilantro with parsley together.
Snip outer cilantro leaves first, and trim parsley stems from the base.
This encourages fresh growth and prevents either plant from taking over.
Common Mistakes When You Plant Cilantro With Parsley
Even though these herbs are compatible, a few missteps can cause problems.
Here’s what to avoid when you plant cilantro with parsley.
1. Letting Cilantro Bolt Too Soon
Cilantro bolts in hot weather, sending up a tall flower stalk.
When cilantro bolts, it stops producing leaves, and this can leave your parsley crowded or shaded.
If you plant cilantro with parsley in summer, choose a slow-bolt cilantro variety.
2. Overwatering the Pair
While both herbs like moisture, soggy soil is a death sentence.
When you plant cilantro with parsley, check the top inch of soil before watering.
If it’s still damp, skip the watering can for a day.
3. Ignoring Pests and Disease
Aphids love both cilantro and parsley.
When you plant cilantro with parsley, inspect the undersides of leaves weekly.
A strong spray of water or a bit of insecticidal soap handles most infestations.
4. Planting in Poorly Draining Soil
Heavy clay soil traps water and causes root rot.
If you plant cilantro with parsley in the ground, amend the soil with compost first.
Raised beds or containers are safer bets for beginners.
So, Can You Plant Cilantro With Parsley?
You can plant cilantro with parsley, and doing so gives you a productive, space-saving herb garden.
They share sunlight, soil, and water needs, which makes them low-maintenance companions.
Just start parsley earlier, space them properly, and harvest often to keep both thriving.
Hope this post has helped you understand why you can plant cilantro with parsley and how to do it right.
Now go grab those seeds and get planting.