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Are basil and cilantro companion plants?
Yes, basil and cilantro are companion plants, and they can grow well together when you set them up properly.
Both are fast-growing herbs that share similar needs for sunlight, water, and loose soil, so they usually don’t compete too aggressively when planted side by side.
But there’s a catch: basil and cilantro don’t love exactly the same temperatures, and cilantro tends to bolt quickly when it gets too hot.
So while basil and cilantro are companion plants, you’ll get the best results if you understand how each one grows and plan your garden around their differences.
In this post, we’ll look at why basil and cilantro work as companion plants, the benefits of growing them together, what to watch out for, and how to plant basil and cilantro so both herbs thrive.
Let’s dig in.
Are Basil and Cilantro Companion Plants? Here’s the Answer
Yes, basil and cilantro are good companion plants for each other.
Companion planting is all about pairing plants that help each other grow by sharing space, improving soil, attracting helpful insects, or repelling pests.
Basil and cilantro fit that description nicely.
They’re both tender annual herbs that grow in similar conditions and don’t release chemicals that harm each other.
In fact, growing basil and cilantro together can make your herb garden more productive and better smelling, since both plants are aromatic and useful in the kitchen.
So when someone asks if basil and cilantro are companion plants, the simple answer is yes, they are.
But the full answer is a bit more interesting, so let’s break it down.
1. Basil and Cilantro Share Similar Growing Needs
The main reason basil and cilantro are companion plants is that they need many of the same things.
Both herbs prefer full sun to partial shade, with at least six hours of sunlight per day.
They both like well-draining soil that stays evenly moist but not soggy.
And both basil and cilantro grow well in garden beds, raised beds, and containers, which makes them easy to pair.
When two plants want the same light, water, and soil, they can share a space without one starving the other.
That’s a big reason basil and cilantro are considered compatible companion plants.
2. Basil Can Help Repel Pests Near Cilantro
Basil is well known for its strong scent, and that scent does more than make your garden smell amazing.
Basil can help repel certain pests like aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms.
When you plant basil and cilantro together, that pest-repelling effect may extend to your cilantro too.
Cilantro has its own pest issues, like aphids and leafhoppers, so having basil nearby can reduce the pressure.
This is one of the biggest benefits of growing basil and cilantro as companion plants.
3. Cilantro Attracts Beneficial Insects
Cilantro is a great companion plant because it attracts beneficial insects.
When cilantro flowers, it draws in pollinators like bees and hoverflies.
Hoverflies and parasitic wasps are natural predators of common garden pests, so they help protect basil and cilantro alike.
So while basil repels the bad bugs, cilantro brings in the good ones.
That balance is another reason basil and cilantro are companion plants that work well as a team.
4. They Don’t Compete for the Same Root Space
Basil has a relatively shallow, fibrous root system.
Cilantro also has shallow roots, but its taproot goes a little deeper.
That means basil and cilantro mostly feed at different levels in the soil, so they aren’t fighting hard for the same nutrients.
When roots occupy different zones, companion planting works much better.
This root structure is another reason basil and cilantro can grow together without choking each other out.
Potential Problems With Basil and Cilantro Companion Planting
Even though basil and cilantro are companion plants, there are a couple of issues you should know about.
1. They Prefer Different Temperatures
Basil loves heat and really thrives when temperatures stay between 70°F and 90°F.
Cilantro is the opposite, as it grows best in cooler weather between 50°F and 70°F.
When it gets hot, cilantro bolts fast, sending up a flower stalk and turning its leaves bitter.
Basil, on the other hand, gets happier as the heat rises.
So while basil and cilantro are companion plants, you may need to succession plant cilantro every few weeks to keep it coming.
2. Cilantro Bolting Can Affect Basil Spacing
Bolting cilantro grows tall and lanky, and that can shade nearby basil seedlings.
If you’re growing basil and cilantro in the same bed, give them a little extra room.
Plant cilantro on the cooler side of the garden and basil where it gets the most sun.
That way, basil and cilantro can still be companion plants without stepping on each other’s toes.
3. Water Needs Are Similar But Not Identical
Both basil and cilantro like consistent moisture, but basil handles dry spells better than cilantro.
Cilantro has a shallow root system that dries out quickly.
If you’re growing basil and cilantro together, water deeply and mulch around the base to keep the soil evenly moist.
This helps both herbs, and it keeps basil and cilantro companion planting low-stress.
How to Plant Basil and Cilantro Together
If you want to grow basil and cilantro as companion plants, here’s how to do it right.
1. Choose the Right Spot
Pick a spot with morning sun and some afternoon shade if you live in a hot climate.
This gives basil the light it needs while protecting cilantro from scorching heat.
2. Space Them Properly
Give basil about 10 to 12 inches between plants.
Give cilantro about 6 to 8 inches, since it grows narrower.
Leaving a little extra room between basil and cilantro helps airflow and reduces disease.
3. Water and Mulch Regularly
Water both herbs at the base, not on the leaves, to prevent fungal issues.
Add a layer of mulch to hold moisture and keep the soil cool for cilantro.
4. Harvest Often
Pinch basil tips regularly to encourage bushy growth.
Harvest cilantro outer leaves often and replant every few weeks so you always have fresh leaves.
Regular harvesting keeps basil and cilantro productive and prevents bolting.
So, Are Basil and Cilantro Companion Plants?
Basil and cilantro are companion plants, and they can grow together beautifully when you plan for their differences.
They share similar sunlight, soil, and water needs, and they help each other by repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects.
Just remember that basil loves heat while cilantro prefers cooler weather, so a little strategy goes a long way.
With the right spacing, watering, and harvesting, growing basil and cilantro as companion plants can give you a thriving, fragrant herb garden all season long.