What To Plant With Basil And Cilantro

What to plant with basil and cilantro is a great question because both herbs grow beautifully alongside a wide range of companions.
 
Basil and cilantro are two of the most popular culinary herbs, and they can thrive when planted with the right neighbors.
 
If you’ve been wondering what to plant with basil and cilantro, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll cover the best companion plants for basil and cilantro, what to avoid planting near them, and tips to keep both herbs healthy and productive.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

What to Plant With Basil and Cilantro

When figuring out what to plant with basil and cilantro, the good news is that both herbs get along with a long list of vegetables, flowers, and other herbs.
 
Here are the best companion plants to grow alongside your basil and cilantro.
 

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the best plants to grow with basil.
 
Basil is said to improve the flavor of tomatoes and can help repel pests like thrips and tomato hornworms.
 
Cilantro also works well near tomatoes because it attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests.
 
Just give tomatoes plenty of room, since both basil and cilantro grow quickly and can crowd them.
 

2. Peppers

Peppers love the same warm, sunny conditions that basil and cilantro enjoy.
 
Planting basil with peppers can help deter aphids, spider mites, and other common pepper pests.
 
Cilantro attracts hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which are natural predators of the insects that bother peppers.
 
This trio makes a fantastic summer garden combo.
 

3. Lettuce and Spinach

Lettuce and spinach are cool-season crops that pair nicely with cilantro, which also prefers cooler weather.
 
Cilantro can provide a bit of shade for tender greens during hot afternoons.
 
Basil, on the other hand, grows well near lettuce because it doesn’t compete aggressively for nutrients.
 
Just keep an eye on spacing so the greens aren’t smothered.
 

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are a classic companion plant for almost any garden, and they work great with basil and cilantro.
 
Their strong scent repels nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies.
 
Planting marigolds near basil and cilantro can reduce pest pressure and add a pop of color to your herb garden.
 

5. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another flower that loves growing near basil and cilantro.
 
They act as a trap crop, drawing aphids away from your herbs.
 
Nasturtiums also attract pollinators, which helps your entire garden thrive.
 
Plus, both the flowers and leaves are edible, making them a fun addition to salads.
 

6. Chives and Garlic

Chives and garlic are alliums that repel aphids and other soft-bodied pests.
 
Planting them near basil and cilantro can help keep your herbs pest-free.
 
Just remember that alliums can stunt the growth of beans and peas, so keep them away from those.
 

7. Oregano and Thyme

Other Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme grow well with basil.
 
They share similar watering and sunlight needs, so they’re easy to care for together.
 
Cilantro, however, prefers cooler weather, so give it a spot with a bit of afternoon shade if you’re pairing it with heat-loving herbs.
 

What Not to Plant With Basil and Cilantro

Knowing what to plant with basil and cilantro is only half the battle.
 
You also need to know what to avoid.
 

1. Cucumbers

Cucumbers can compete with basil and cilantro for water and nutrients.
 
They also tend to sprawl and shade out smaller herbs.
 
If you must plant them together, give cucumbers plenty of space and trellis them upward.
 

2. Fennel

Fennel is a notorious bully in the garden.
 
It releases compounds that can inhibit the growth of basil, cilantro, and many other plants.
 
Keep fennel far away from your herb bed.
 

3. Rue

Rue is another plant that doesn’t play well with basil.
 
It can stunt basil’s growth and attract pests rather than repel them.
 
Skip rue if you’re growing basil and cilantro.
 

Tips for Growing Basil and Cilantro Together

Even though basil and cilantro make good companions, they have slightly different needs.
 
Here’s how to keep both happy.
 

1. Sunlight

Basil loves full sun, at least six to eight hours a day.
 
Cilantro prefers partial shade, especially in hot climates, because it bolts quickly in intense heat.
 
Plant cilantro where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade, and give basil the sunniest spot you have.
 

2. Watering

Both herbs like consistently moist soil, but neither enjoys being waterlogged.
 
Water basil when the top inch of soil feels dry.
 
Cilantro needs a bit more moisture, especially in warm weather, so check it more often.
 

3. Soil

Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is ideal for both basil and cilantro.
 
A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 works well for both herbs.
 
Add compost before planting to give them a healthy start.
 

4. Spacing

Give basil about 12 to 18 inches between plants.
 
Cilantro can be planted closer, about 6 to 8 inches apart, since it has a shorter lifespan.
 
Good airflow helps prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
 

5. Succession Planting

Cilantro bolts fast in warm weather, so plant it every few weeks for a continuous harvest.
 
Basil, on the other hand, keeps producing all season if you pinch off the flower buds.
 
This staggered approach keeps your garden productive from spring through fall.
 

So, What to Plant With Basil and Cilantro?

What to plant with basil and cilantro comes down to choosing companions that share their sunlight, water, and soil needs while helping repel pests.
 
Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, marigolds, nasturtiums, chives, oregano, and thyme are all excellent choices.
 
Avoid fennel, rue, and sprawling cucumbers that compete for space and nutrients.
 
With the right companions, your basil and cilantro will thrive and reward you with a bountiful harvest all season long.