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Yes, you can grow dill and cilantro together, and they actually make fantastic companion plants when you give them the right conditions.
Both are cool-season herbs that thrive in similar temperatures, so they’ll be happy sharing the same garden bed or container.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can grow dill and cilantro together without one choking out the other, the short answer is absolutely.
In this post, we’ll look at why dill and cilantro grow well together, how to plant them so they both flourish, and the common mistakes that can ruin your herb harvest.
Let’s dig in.
Why You Can Grow Dill and Cilantro Together
You can grow dill and cilantro together because they share nearly identical growing requirements.
Here’s why this pairing works so well.
1. They Love the Same Cool Weather
Dill and cilantro are both cool-season herbs that prefer temperatures between 50°F and 70°F.
They bolt quickly in intense summer heat, so planting them together means you can manage their lifecycle the same way.
When you grow dill and cilantro together in spring or early fall, both herbs stay productive for longer.
2. They Need Similar Soil and Water
Both herbs want well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Neither likes to sit in soggy ground, so a shared watering schedule keeps both happy.
You can grow dill and cilantro together in the same bed and water them on the same rhythm without worrying about overwatering one and underwatering the other.
3. They Attract Beneficial Insects
Dill and cilantro both attract ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps that prey on garden pests.
When you grow dill and cilantro together, you create a stronger pest-control zone in your garden.
That means fewer aphids on your cilantro and fewer caterpillars chewing through your dill.
4. They Don’t Compete Aggressively for Space
Dill grows tall and wispy, while cilantro stays low and leafy.
This difference in height means you can grow dill and cilantro together without one smothering the other for sunlight.
The dill reaches upward, and the cilantro spreads outward, so they occupy different layers of the garden.
How to Grow Dill and Cilantro Together Successfully
Even though you can grow dill and cilantro together, a little planning goes a long way.
Here’s how to set them up for success.
1. Give Them Enough Space
Plant dill and cilantro about 8 to 12 inches apart.
Dill has a deep taproot, and cilantro has shallow, fibrous roots, so they won’t fight underground if you space them properly.
If you grow dill and cilantro together in containers, choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide.
2. Sow Seeds at the Right Time
Direct sow both herbs in early spring or late summer.
When you grow dill and cilantro together from seed, they germinate at similar rates, usually within 7 to 14 days.
You can also succession sow every few weeks so you always have fresh herbs on hand.
3. Water Consistently but Lightly
Keep the soil evenly moist, not soaked.
Aim for about an inch of water per week, and water in the morning so the leaves dry before evening.
This helps prevent fungal issues when you grow dill and cilantro together in humid climates.
4. Harvest Often to Prevent Bolting
Frequent harvesting keeps both herbs from going to seed too quickly.
Snip cilantro leaves from the outer stems, and trim dill fronds once the plant reaches 6 to 8 inches tall.
When you grow dill and cilantro together and harvest regularly, you extend their growing season significantly.
Common Mistakes When You Grow Dill and Cilantro Together
A few missteps can turn a great pairing into a frustrating experience.
Watch out for these issues.
1. Planting in Hot Weather
Heat makes both dill and cilantro bolt almost immediately.
If you grow dill and cilantro together in midsummer, you’ll end up with flowers instead of leaves.
Stick to spring and fall for the best results.
2. Overcrowding the Bed
When dill and cilantro are packed too tightly, airflow drops and disease spreads.
Thin your seedlings so each plant has room to breathe.
If you grow dill and cilantro together in a small space, consider using separate containers side by side instead.
3. Letting Dill Take Over
Dill can self-seed aggressively and shade out cilantro.
Trim dill flower heads before they turn to seed if you want to keep the balance.
You can still grow dill and cilantro together, but stay on top of dill’s spread.
So, Can You Grow Dill and Cilantro Together?
Yes, you can grow dill and cilantro together, and they’re one of the easiest herb pairings for beginner gardeners.
They share the same cool-weather preferences, soil needs, and watering schedule, so they thrive side by side.
Just give them space, harvest often, and keep an eye on dill’s self-seeding habit.
If you follow these tips, you’ll grow dill and cilantro together successfully season after season.