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When you’re figuring out what to plant with basil and cilantro, the answer comes down to picking companions that share similar needs and boost each other’s growth.
What to plant with basil and cilantro is one of the most common questions for herb gardeners, and the good news is that both of these aromatic herbs are incredibly social in the garden.
Basil and cilantro have slightly different preferences, but they can absolutely coexist if you choose the right neighbors.
In this post, we’ll dig into the best companion plants for basil and cilantro, why certain pairings work so well, and what to avoid planting near these kitchen staples.
Let’s get started on building your dream herb bed.
What to plant with basil and cilantro: The Best Companions
The best what to plant with basil and cilantro list includes vegetables, flowers, and other herbs that improve flavor, deter pests, or simply make the most of your garden space.
Here are the top companion plants you can trust.
1. Tomatoes Are Basil’s Best Friend
When gardeners ask what to plant with basil and cilantro, tomatoes almost always come to mind for basil.
Basil and tomatoes are a legendary pairing both on the plate and in the soil.
Tomatoes benefit from basil’s strong aroma, which helps repel tomato hornworms and other pests.
In return, tomatoes provide a bit of dappled shade that keeps basil from bolting too quickly in hot afternoons.
Plant basil beside your tomatoes, and you’ll enjoy better yields and richer flavor in your salads.
2. Cilantro and Leafy Greens Make a Great Team
For cilantro, what to plant with basil and cilantro often leads gardeners to spinach, lettuce, and arugula.
Cilantro grows fast and stays short, so it fits perfectly between rows of leafy greens without crowding them.
The greens appreciate cilantro’s ability to attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, which feast on aphids.
Cilantro also bolts quickly in warm weather, but when it’s near lettuce, both can share a cooler microclimate.
This companion planting keeps your salad bowl stocked all season long.
3. Peppers Thrive Alongside Both Herbs
Peppers are another top answer when you’re wondering what to plant with basil and cilantro.
Basil’s aromatic leaves deter thrips, spider mites, and other pepper-loving pests.
Cilantro, meanwhile, attracts pollinators and parasitic wasps that keep harmful insects in check.
Both herbs stay low and won’t shade out your pepper plants, making them ideal understory neighbors.
You can plant a row of peppers with basil on one side and cilantro on the other.
4. Onions and Garlic Are Natural Protectors
When planning what to plant with basil and cilantro, don’t overlook the allium family.
Onions, garlic, and chives release sulfur compounds that confuse and repel many common garden pests.
These alliums also help break up the soil, improving drainage for basil’s sensitive roots.
Cilantro and onions are especially good friends because they don’t compete for the same nutrients.
Plant them in clusters, and you’ll have a built-in pest defense system.
5. Marigolds and Nasturtiums Bring Color and Protection
Flowers might not be the first thing you think of, but they’re a crucial part of what to plant with basil and cilantro.
Marigolds produce a strong scent that repels nematodes and whiteflies, which can stress both herbs.
Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, luring aphids away from your basil and cilantro.
These cheerful blooms also attract bees and other pollinators to help your garden thrive.
Plus, they add a pop of color that makes your herb bed look gorgeous.
What Not to Plant With Basil and Cilantro
Knowing what to plant with basil and cilantro is half the battle, but avoiding bad neighbors is just as important.
Some plants compete for water, release growth-inhibiting chemicals, or simply hate the same conditions.
1. Keep Rue Far Away From Basil
Rue is one of the few plants that stunts basil’s growth, so it’s a clear no-go for your companion garden.
Rue releases compounds that inhibit basil’s root development, leaving your plants weak and leggy.
Even if you love rue as an ornamental, give it its own separate corner.
2. Fennel Is a Bully in the Herb Bed
Fennel is notorious for secreting chemicals that stunt the growth of nearby herbs, including basil and cilantro.
This allelopathic behavior makes fennel a terrible companion for almost everything.
If you want fennel, plant it far away in a container or its own raised bed.
3. Dill Can Confuse Cilantro’s Growth Cycle
Dill and cilantro look similar, but planting them together can cause cross-pollination issues.
This can lead to seeds that don’t taste right and a shorter harvest window for both herbs.
Dill also grows tall and can shade out cilantro, which prefers plenty of morning sun.
Keep these two apart if you want clean, strong flavors.
4. Avoid Heavy Feeders Like Corn and Sunflowers
Corn and sunflowers are nutrient hogs that will outcompete basil and cilantro for nitrogen and water.
These tall plants also cast heavy shade, which can stress cilantro and cause basil to become leggy.
Stick with lighter feeders when deciding what to plant with basil and cilantro.
Tips for Planting Basil and Cilantro Together Successfully
What to plant with basil and cilantro also involves how you arrange them so they actually thrive together.
These tips will help you get the most out of your herb garden.
1. Use Succession Planting for Cilantro
Cilantro bolts quickly in summer heat, so sow new seeds every two to three weeks.
This staggered planting keeps a steady supply while your basil fills in.
Basil loves the warmth, but cilantro prefers cooler weather, so plant cilantro in early spring and late fall.
2. Give Basil Full Sun and Cilantro Partial Shade
Basil thrives in six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
Cilantro can handle full sun in mild climates but appreciates afternoon shade in hotter zones.
Plant taller companions like tomatoes or peppers on the west side to shield cilantro.
3. Water Consistently But Avoid Soggy Soil
Both herbs need consistently moist soil, but they hate waterlogged roots.
Use mulch around your plants to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
Water at the base of the plants early in the morning to prevent fungal issues.
4. Harvest Regularly to Encourage Bushy Growth
Pinch back basil leaves often, and don’t let it flower too early.
Harvest cilantro by cutting the outer stems first, which delays bolting.
Regular harvesting keeps both herbs producing and prevents them from becoming woody.
So, What to Plant With Basil and Cilantro?
What to plant with basil and cilantro comes down to choosing companions that share your garden’s conditions and offer mutual benefits.
Tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, onions, and marigolds are your best bets for a thriving herb bed.
Avoid rue, fennel, dill, and heavy feeders that will cause more harm than good.
With the right neighbors, your basil and cilantro will flourish, and you’ll have a constant supply of fresh herbs for your cooking.
So get out there, plan your plantings, and enjoy a bountiful harvest of basil and cilantro.