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Yes, you can grow cilantro and basil together, and it’s actually one of the more forgiving pairings you can try in your garden.
Cilantro and basil are both popular herbs that thrive in similar conditions, which makes growing cilantro and basil together a smart move for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
When you grow cilantro and basil together, you get the bonus of having two fresh flavors right at your fingertips for all your cooking needs.
The short answer is that cilantro and basil can grow together happily as long as you pay attention to a few key details like timing, watering, and sunlight.
In this post, we’ll dig into why growing cilantro and basil together works, the best way to set up your planting, and what to watch out for so both herbs stay healthy.
Let’s get those seeds in the soil and talk about this awesome duo.
Why Growing Cilantro and Basil Together Works So Well
Growing cilantro and basil together is not only possible, but it’s also a great way to maximize space in a small garden bed or a single container.
Both herbs share a love for well-draining soil and consistent moisture, which means you can water them on the same schedule without worrying about one suffering.
Basil loves warm weather, and cilantro is a bit more tolerant of cooler temperatures, so you can actually extend your growing season when you plant them together.
When you grow cilantro and basil together, the basil can provide a little shade for the cilantro during the hottest part of the day, which helps prevent the cilantro from bolting too quickly.
Cilantro tends to bolt, or go to seed, when temperatures spike, so having basil nearby can be a real lifesaver for keeping your cilantro leafy and tasty longer.
1. Sunlight Needs Are Compatible
Cilantro and basil can grow together because they both appreciate a good amount of sunlight, though they don’t need identical exposure.
Basil is a sun worshipper and loves full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct light each day.
Cilantro prefers a bit of afternoon shade in hotter climates, but it can still handle full sun in the cooler parts of the day.
When you grow cilantro and basil together, you can plant them so the taller basil shades the cilantro slightly during peak heat, which keeps both happy.
If you’re growing in a pot, just place the basil on the sunniest side and the cilantro next to it so it gets morning sun but some afternoon relief.
2. Watering Requirements Match Up
One of the best reasons to grow cilantro and basil together is that their watering needs are very similar, so you won’t have to guess.
Both herbs like soil that stays evenly moist but never soggy, so you’ll want to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Overwatering can cause root rot for both, while letting them dry out too much will make the leaves wilt and lose flavor.
When you water cilantro and basil together, aim for a gentle soak at the base of the plants rather than splashing water on the leaves.
Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature steady, which is perfect for growing cilantro and basil together.
3. Soil Preferences Are a Perfect Match
Cilantro and basil can grow together in the same soil type without any fuss, which makes planting them side by side super easy.
Both prefer a rich, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, so you can prepare one bed that works for both.
Adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting will give both herbs the nutrients they need to thrive and produce lots of leaves.
Make sure your soil drains well, because neither cilantro nor basil likes to sit in waterlogged conditions.
If you’re using a container, choose a pot with drainage holes and a high-quality potting mix to grow cilantro and basil together successfully.
Best Practices for Planting Cilantro and Basil Together
If you’re ready to grow cilantro and basil together, there are a few simple steps to get them off to a great start.
You can sow cilantro and basil seeds together in the same container, but timing matters because cilantro is a cool-season crop and basil loves warmth.
Plant basil seeds after the last frost when the soil has warmed up, and you can start cilantro a few weeks earlier to get a head start.
When growing cilantro and basil together, give each plant enough space to breathe and avoid crowding, which can lead to poor air circulation and disease.
1. Choose the Right Container or Garden Spot
You can grow cilantro and basil together in a garden bed or a container, but you need to think about size for both to flourish.
A pot that’s at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide is a good starting point for growing cilantro and basil together.
In the ground, space cilantro plants about six to eight inches apart and basil plants about 12 inches apart to give them room to spread.
Make sure the spot gets plenty of light, but if you’re in a hot climate, morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal for cilantro and basil together.
2. Stagger Your Planting Times
Since cilantro is a fast-growing annual that bolts quickly in heat, you’ll want to plant it at the right time to grow cilantro and basil together successfully.
Sow cilantro seeds directly in the soil a few weeks before your last expected frost, while basil seeds should wait until the soil hits about 70°F.
If you live in a warmer region, you can plant cilantro in early spring and basil in late spring, then replant cilantro in the fall when temps drop.
That way, you can enjoy both herbs from the same garden patch, even if they’re not always at peak production at the exact same time.
3. Harvest Regularly to Keep Them Productive
When you grow cilantro and basil together, regular harvesting is the secret to keeping both plants lush and productive for as long as possible.
Snip basil leaves from the top, just above a pair of leaves, which encourages bushier growth instead of letting the plant flower.
For cilantro, harvest the outer leaves first, and pinch off any flower stalks as soon as they appear to delay bolting.
If you keep up with harvesting, growing cilantro and basil together can give you a steady supply of fresh herbs for weeks on end.
Just remember, once cilantro bolts, it’s done producing leaves, so you’ll want to reseed every few weeks for a continuous crop.
Potential Challenges When Growing Cilantro and Basil Together
Even though cilantro and basil can grow together well, there are a couple of hurdles to watch for so you don’t lose either plant.
The biggest challenge is temperature, because basil hates cold and cilantro hates extreme heat, so finding the sweet spot takes a little planning.
You may also deal with pests that like both herbs, including aphids and spider mites, which can quickly spread between cilantro and basil grown together.
1. Managing Heat and Bolting
Cilantro bolts when temperatures rise above 75°F for extended periods, and this can happen fast when you grow cilantro and basil together in summer.
To minimize bolting, plant cilantro in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade, ideally with the basil shielding it.
You can also use a shade cloth during the hottest weeks to keep the soil cooler and slow down the flowering process.
When you grow cilantro and basil together, remember that even with shade, cilantro will eventually bolt, which is normal and okay.
Let it go to seed and collect the coriander seeds for cooking or replanting, so nothing goes to waste even when it’s done.
2. Pests That Love Both Herbs
Aphids are tiny bugs that suck the sap from tender new growth, and they can hit both cilantro and basil when they’re planted together.
Check the undersides of leaves regularly, and if you spot aphids, wash them off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.
Spider mites can also show up in hot, dry conditions, so keep the humidity up by misting the plants or using a pebble tray.
Growing cilantro and basil together doesn’t have to attract more pests, but it does mean you’ll want to inspect both plants frequently.
Using companion planting with flowers like marigolds can help repel pests while you grow cilantro and basil together.
So, Can You Grow Cilantro and Basil Together?
Yes, you can grow cilantro and basil together, and it’s a fantastic way to make the most of your gardening space.
When you grow cilantro and basil together, you’ll enjoy fresh herbs that complement each other beautifully in salsas, salads, pastas, and so much more.
Just remember that cilantro is a cool-weather lover while basil is a heat lover, so timing your plantings is key to keeping both alive.
With proper sunlight, regular watering, and a little bit of care, growing cilantro and basil together is totally doable and very rewarding.
So grab some seeds, pick a sunny spot, and give this herb pairing a try because you can absolutely grow cilantro and basil together.
Happy gardening, and enjoy those fresh herbs straight from your own backyard.