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Growing basil and cilantro is a rewarding experience that brings fresh, vibrant flavor to your kitchen all season long.
You can grow basil and cilantro successfully whether you have a sprawling garden bed, a few containers on a balcony, or just a sunny windowsill.
These two herbs are some of the most popular to cultivate at home, yet they have very different needs when it comes to light, water, and temperature.
Understanding how to grow basil and cilantro properly means you’ll avoid the common pitfalls like bolting, leggy growth, or bitter leaves.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about growing both herbs, from planting to harvesting, so you can enjoy a steady supply of fragrant leaves.
Let’s dig into the details of how to grow basil and cilantro like a pro.
Why Growing Basil and Cilantro Together Makes Sense
Growing basil and cilantro in the same garden or container setup is totally doable, but you need to respect their individual personalities.
Basil is a sun-loving, heat-thriving annual that craves warmth and consistent moisture.
Cilantro, on the other hand, is a cool-weather herb that bolts quickly in the heat, so timing is everything when you grow cilantro.
When you plan how to grow basil and cilantro together, you can stagger their planting times to ensure a continuous harvest.
For example, you might start cilantro in early spring and plant basil a few weeks later when the soil has warmed up.
This way, you’ll have fresh cilantro for your salsas and fresh basil for your pesto without either herb competing for the same conditions.
Let’s break down the specifics for each herb so you know exactly what to do.
How to Grow Basil from Seed or Seedling
Growing basil is one of the easiest things you can do in your garden, and it rewards you with an abundance of aromatic leaves.
Here’s a closer look at how to grow basil, whether you’re starting from seed or buying young transplants.
1. Best Time to Plant Basil
Basil is extremely frost-sensitive, so you need to wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting it outdoors.
You can start seeds indoors about six weeks before your last expected frost date, which gives them a head start.
When you grow basil from seed, the soil temperature should be at least 70°F (21°C) for good germination.
If you’re planting seedlings, wait until nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F (10°C).
This is a key part of how to grow basil successfully because cold soil can stunt growth or kill the plant entirely.
2. Sunlight and Soil Requirements for Basil
Basil thrives in full sun, so give it at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
The soil should be rich, well-draining, and have a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
Before planting, work in some compost or aged manure to give the basil a nutrient boost.
Good drainage is crucial because basil hates sitting in soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.
If you’re growing basil in containers, make sure your pots have drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix.
3. Watering and Feeding Basil Plants
When you grow basil, you need to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Water at the base of the plant in the morning so the leaves have time to dry out, which prevents fungal diseases.
A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Basil is a heavy feeder, so fertilize it every four to six weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Alternatively, you can use a slow-release granular fertilizer at planting time for steady nutrition.
4. Pruning and Harvesting Basil for Continuous Growth
The secret to how to grow basil bushy and full is regular pinching and pruning.
Once your basil plant has six to eight leaves, pinch off the top set of leaves to encourage branching.
Always pinch just above a pair of leaves, and those nodes will sprout into new stems.
When you harvest basil, never strip all the leaves from the stem, as this can shock the plant.
Instead, harvest from the top down, which promotes more growth from the lower nodes.
If you see flower buds forming, pinch them off immediately, because flowering causes the leaves to turn bitter and stops new leaf production.
How to Grow Cilantro Without It Bolting Too Fast
Growing cilantro requires a different strategy than basil, as this herb is notorious for bolting in warm weather.
Cilantro bolts when it produces a flower stalk, which makes the leaves less flavorful and tougher.
So the main goal when you grow cilantro is to keep it cool and harvest it promptly.
1. Best Time to Plant Cilantro
You can grow cilantro in the early spring or late summer for a fall harvest, as it prefers cooler temperatures.
Cilantro seeds can be direct-sown outdoors after the last frost, or even before it, since they tolerate light frost.
For an extended harvest, sow new seeds every two to three weeks, a technique known as succession planting.
When you grow cilantro in warmer zones, consider planting it in partial shade during the hottest months to slow down bolting.
The sweet spot for cilantro is soil temperatures between 55°F and 68°F (13°C to 20°C).
2. Sunlight and Soil Needs for Cilantro
Cilantro prefers cooler conditions, so it will appreciate some afternoon shade if you live in a hot climate.
That said, it still needs about four to six hours of sunlight per day to grow well.
The soil should be loamy, well-draining, and rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8.
Work in compost before planting to improve soil structure and moisture retention.
If you’re growing cilantro in containers, choose a pot that’s at least eight inches deep to accommodate its taproot.
3. Watering Cilantro to Keep It Happy
Cilantro has shallow roots, so it needs regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist.
Aim to water it deeply every few days, especially during dry spells or if the temperature spikes.
Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool.
Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to yellowing leaves and root disease.
The key to how to grow cilantro well is maintaining steady moisture without letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.
4. Harvesting Cilantro Leaves and Seeds
You can start harvesting cilantro leaves once the plant is about six inches tall, usually around three to four weeks after planting.
Pick the outer leaves first, allowing the inner ones to continue growing.
If you want a continuous supply, harvest only about a third of the plant at a time.
Once the plant starts to bolt, the leaves will lose their punch, so let it flower and go to seed.
The seeds are coriander, a whole different spice, so that’s an added bonus when you grow cilantro.
Common Problems When Growing Basil and Cilantro
Even with the best plans, you might run into some issues while you grow basil and cilantro in your garden.
Here are a few typical problems and how to solve them easily.
1. Leggy Seedlings or Slow Growth
If you start seeds indoors, leggy seedlings mean they aren’t getting enough light, so move them closer to a grow light.
Slow growth in both herbs often points to cold soil or a lack of nutrients, so check your soil temperature and amend as needed.
For cilantro, heat is the biggest growth stopper, so provide shade during the hottest part of the day.
2. Pests Like Aphids and Spider Mites
Aphids love new growth on both basil and cilantro, and they can quickly multiply if left unchecked.
Spray them off with a strong jet of water or apply an insecticidal soap to keep the population down.
Spider mites often appear in dry, dusty conditions, so increase humidity and keep the plants well-watered.
Neem oil is a great organic option for treating both pests without harming your herbs.
3. Bolting and Bitter Leaves
Cilantro bolts when temperatures rise above 75°F, so plan your planting times accordingly.
Basil will also bolt if it gets too hot, but it can be delayed with regular pinching of flower buds.
Once leaves turn bitter, there’s no fixing them, so harvest before the plant shows signs of flowering.
For cilantro, you can grow a slow-bolting variety like “Slow Bolt” to extend your harvest window.
So, How to Grow Basil and Cilantro Successfully?
You can grow basil and cilantro successfully by giving each herb its own ideal conditions and harvesting them regularly.
Basil needs full sun, warm soil, consistent moisture, and frequent pinching to stay productive.
Cilantro needs cooler temperatures, consistent moisture, partial shade in hot climates, and quick harvesting to prevent bolting.
If you’re wondering how to grow basil and cilantro together, just stagger your planting times and choose the right spots for each.
When you grow basil and cilantro with these tips in mind, you’ll have an endless supply of fresh herbs for your favorite recipes.
So get your pots ready, pick your seeds, and start planting because you have everything you need to make it work.
Happy gardening, and enjoy the incredible flavors that come from growing basil and cilantro at home.