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Yes, you can grow chives and cilantro together, and they actually make a pretty great pair in the garden.
Both are leafy herbs that thrive in similar conditions, so pairing them isn’t just possible, it’s practical.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can grow chives and cilantro together without one choking out the other, the short answer is yes, as long as you give each plant the space and care it needs.
In this post, we’ll look at why chives and cilantro grow well together, how to plant them, and what to watch out for so both herbs flourish.
Let’s dig in.
Why You Can Grow Chives and Cilantro Together
You can grow chives and cilantro together because they share similar growing requirements.
Here’s why this pairing works so well:
1. They Like the Same Sunlight
Both chives and cilantro enjoy full sun to partial shade.
That means you can plant them side by side in a sunny spot and neither one will suffer from too much or too little light.
When you grow chives and cilantro together, aim for at least four to six hours of sunlight daily.
In hotter climates, a little afternoon shade actually helps cilantro from bolting too fast.
2. They Prefer Similar Soil
Chives and cilantro both like well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 keeps both herbs happy.
If you can grow chives and cilantro together in loose, fertile soil, their roots will develop without competing too aggressively.
Just mix in some compost before planting and you’re good to go.
3. They Have Compatible Watering Needs
Neither chives nor cilantro likes to sit in soggy soil.
They both prefer consistent moisture without being waterlogged.
So when you grow chives and cilantro together, you can water them on the same schedule.
Aim for about an inch of water per week, either from rain or your watering can.
4. They Don’t Compete Aggressively for Space
Chives grow in clumps while cilantro grows taller and more sprawling.
This difference in growth habit means they can share a bed without one smothering the other.
You can grow chives and cilantro together by placing chives at the front and cilantro slightly behind them.
That way, both get the air circulation they need.
How to Grow Chives and Cilantro Together
Now that you know you can grow chives and cilantro together, here’s how to do it right.
1. Start With Good Spacing
Give each chive clump about 8 to 12 inches of space.
Cilantro needs about 6 to 8 inches between plants.
When you grow chives and cilantro together, don’t crowd them or you’ll invite pests and disease.
2. Plant at the Right Time
Chives are perennials that come back year after year.
Cilantro is an annual that prefers cooler weather.
If you grow chives and cilantro together, plant cilantro in early spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
Chives can go in at the same time and will keep producing through the season.
3. Fertilize Lightly
Both herbs are light feeders.
A single dose of balanced fertilizer at planting time is usually enough.
When you grow chives and cilantro together, avoid over-fertilizing or you’ll get lots of leaves with little flavor.
4. Harvest Regularly
Frequent harvesting keeps both plants productive.
Snip chives from the base and pick cilantro leaves from the outside in.
If you grow chives and cilantro together, regular trimming also prevents cilantro from bolting too quickly.
What to Watch Out For
Even though you can grow chives and cilantro together, a few issues can pop up.
1. Cilantro Bolting
Cilantro tends to bolt in hot weather, sending up flowers and turning bitter.
When you grow chives and cilantro together, plant cilantro in a spot that gets shade during the hottest part of the day.
You can also succession plant every few weeks for a steady supply.
2. Pests and Disease
Aphids and mildew can affect both herbs.
If you grow chives and cilantro together, keep good airflow between plants and inspect leaves often.
Chives actually repel some pests, which makes them a helpful companion.
3. Different Lifespans
Chives live for years while cilantro finishes its cycle in one season.
When you grow chives and cilantro together, just replant cilantro as needed without disturbing the chives.
So, Can You Grow Chives and Cilantro Together?
You can grow chives and cilantro together, and doing so gives you a steady supply of two versatile herbs.
They share sunlight, soil, and watering needs, which makes them easy companions in the same bed or container.
Just give them proper spacing, plant cilantro during cooler weather, and harvest often.
Whether you grow chives and cilantro together in a garden bed or a pot on your patio, this pairing is one you can count on season after season.