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Yes, you can grow basil with cilantro, and it’s actually a fantastic pairing for your garden.
Growing basil with cilantro is a smart move because both herbs share similar needs for sunlight, water, and well-draining soil.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can grow basil with cilantro without one crowding out the other, the answer is a confident yes when you give them the right conditions.
In this post, we’ll dig into why you can grow basil with cilantro, how to plant them together for best results, and what to watch out for so both herbs thrive side by side.
Let’s get started on your journey to growing basil with cilantro like a pro.
Why You Can Grow Basil With Cilantro Successfully
The reason you can grow basil with cilantro comes down to their compatible growing habits and environmental preferences.
Both herbs are annuals that love warm weather, though cilantro tends to bolt faster in heat than basil does.
When you grow basil with cilantro, you’re pairing two plants that don’t compete aggressively for nutrients if spaced properly.
Let’s break down the specific reasons why this combination works so well.
1. Similar Sunlight and Water Needs
Both basil and cilantro prefer full sun, which means about six to eight hours of direct light each day.
When you grow basil with cilantro, you can water them on the same schedule, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Cilantro likes slightly cooler soil than basil, so a layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps roots happy.
This shared need for even watering makes it easy to maintain both herbs in the same container or garden bed.
2. Complementary Growth Patterns
Basil grows upright and bushy, while cilantro tends to stay shorter and more spread out.
Because of this, you can grow basil with cilantro without the basil shading out the cilantro.
Plant basil in the back or center and cilantro in front or around the edges to maximize space.
This vertical layering means both herbs get the light they need, and you can harvest them without disturbing the other.
3. Soil Compatibility Makes It Simple
You can grow basil with cilantro in the same soil type without any special amendments.
Both prefer loamy, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which is easy to achieve with compost.
Adding organic matter like aged manure or compost before planting gives both herbs a steady supply of nutrients.
Since neither herb is a heavy feeder, they won’t strip the soil of essential elements like nitrogen too quickly.
Best Practices for Growing Basil With Cilantro
Now that you know you can grow basil with cilantro, let’s talk about how to set them up for success.
Following a few simple tips ensures that growing basil with cilantro doesn’t lead to stunted growth or bitter leaves.
1. Give Them Enough Room to Breathe
When you grow basil with cilantro, spacing is critical to prevent fungal issues.
Space basil plants about 12 to 18 inches apart, and cilantro about 6 to 8 inches apart.
If you’re using a container, choose one that’s at least 12 inches deep and wide enough for both plants.
Crowding can cause poor air circulation, which leads to mildew on basil and bolting in cilantro.
2. Time Your Planting So Both Herbs Thrive
You can grow basil with cilantro at the same time in spring after the last frost has passed.
But cilantro grows faster and will bolt when temperatures climb above 75°F.
To extend your harvest, plant cilantro seeds every two to three weeks, while basil can go in once.
This staggered approach means you’ll have fresh cilantro leaves before the heat hits, and basil will keep producing all summer.
3. Use Succession Planting for Continuous Harvests
Because cilantro has a short life cycle, you can grow basil with cilantro by replanting cilantro in the same spot.
Once cilantro bolts and goes to seed, pull it out and sow new seeds in that space.
Basil will stay put and fill in the gap, so you never have empty soil.
This way, growing basil with cilantro becomes a rotating system that gives you fresh herbs for months.
Common Mistakes When Growing Basil With Cilantro
Even though you can grow basil with cilantro, a few pitfalls can ruin your harvest.
Avoid these errors to keep both herbs healthy and flavorful.
1. Overwatering Can Cause Root Rot
Both basil and cilantro hate soggy roots, so don’t water daily unless the soil is dry.
Stick your finger an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
When you grow basil with cilantro, ensure your container has drainage holes to let excess water escape.
Overwatering is the number one killer of this herb duo, so be conservative with the watering can.
2. Letting Cilantro Bolt Too Early
Cilantro bolts, or goes to flower, when it gets too hot or stressed.
If you grow basil with cilantro in full summer heat, cilantro will shoot up flowers and leaves will turn bitter.
Shade the cilantro slightly during the hottest part of the day with a taller basil plant or a shade cloth.
You can also pinch off flower buds as soon as they appear to delay bolting and keep leaves tasty.
3. Harvesting Incorrectly Shortens Your Yield
When you grow basil with cilantro, you need to harvest each herb differently.
For basil, pinch off the top set of leaves just above a pair of lower leaves to encourage bushier growth.
For cilantro, snip outer leaves at the base, leaving the inner rosette to keep producing.
Never strip more than a third of the plant at once, as that shocks the herb and slows new growth.
Container Gardening: Can You Grow Basil With Cilantro in Pots?
Absolutely, you can grow basil with cilantro in containers, and it’s actually ideal for small spaces.
Choose a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep with a diameter of 14 to 18 inches for two plants.
Use a high-quality potting mix that drains well, and add a slow-release organic fertilizer at planting time.
Place the container where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade if you live in a hot climate.
Container gardening makes it easy to move the pot to protect cilantro from heat or basil from cold snaps.
1. Choose the Right Companion Plants
You can grow basil with cilantro, but you can also add other companions to boost health.
Basil pairs well with tomatoes and peppers, while cilantro loves dill and spinach.
Avoid planting cilantro near fennel, as they can inhibit each other’s growth.
Similarly, keep basil away from rue and sage, which can stunt its development.
2. Monitor Temperature for Both Herbs
Basil is frost-tender and thrives between 70°F and 85°F, while cilantro prefers cooler 50°F to 75°F.
You can grow basil with cilantro by planting them early in the season and using shade to cool cilantro.
If a heatwave hits, move your container to a shaded spot or water in the morning to keep roots cool.
This temperature balancing act is the key to long-lasting harvests of both herbs.
So, Can You Grow Basil With Cilantro?
Yes, you can grow basil with cilantro, and it’s a rewarding duo for any gardener.
Growing basil with cilantro works because they share similar care requirements and don’t crowd each other out.
Just focus on proper spacing, consistent moisture, and staggered planting to keep cilantro from bolting.
With these tips, you’ll enjoy fresh basil and cilantro all season long from the same patch of soil.
So go ahead and plant them together, and you’ll have a fragrant, flavorful herb garden in no time.