How To Grow Basil And Cilantro

You can grow basil and cilantro successfully right in your own backyard or even on a sunny windowsill.

These two herbs are staples in kitchens everywhere, but they have very different personalities when it comes to how they like to be treated.

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow basil and cilantro together without one of them throwing a fit, you’re in the right place.

In this post, we’ll walk through the best way to grow basil and cilantro, covering soil, water, sunlight, and harvesting so you get a steady supply of fresh leaves.

Let’s dig into the dirt and get these herbs thriving for you.
 

How to Grow Basil and Cilantro with the Right Conditions

The secret to growing basil and cilantro starts with understanding that these two plants have almost opposite needs.

Cilantro loves cool weather and will bolt (flower and go to seed) the moment it gets too hot.

Basil, on the other hand, is a heat lover that wilts and sulks in cold drafts.

So when you grow basil and cilantro, you need to plan your timing and placement carefully.
 

1. Sunlight Needs for Basil vs. Cilantro

Basil is a sun worshipper and needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every single day.

If you want to grow basil successfully, give it the brightest spot in your garden or on your countertop.

Cilantro is a bit more delicate and prefers partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

Too much hot afternoon sun will cause cilantro to bolt prematurely, leaving you with bitter leaves instead of fresh ones.
 

2. Soil and Drainage for Healthy Herbs

To grow basil and cilantro well, you need soil that drains quickly but still holds onto some moisture.

Basil hates soggy roots, so a well-draining potting mix with some perlite is perfect for it.

Cilantro also likes good drainage but is a bit more forgiving when it comes to slightly heavier soil.

Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which both herbs are happy with, and you’ll be off to a strong start.
 

3. Watering Schedule That Works for Both

When you grow basil and cilantro, you have to find a watering balance that keeps both plants happy.

Basil needs consistent moisture and will droop dramatically if you let it dry out completely.

Cilantro also likes regular watering, but it’s more sensitive to overwatering, which can cause root rot.

The trick is to water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let the excess drain away completely.
 

How to Grow Basil and Cilantro from Seed or Seedlings

You can grow basil and cilantro from seed, but the two herbs have very different timelines.

Cilantro grows fast and can go from seed to harvest in just three to four weeks.

Basil takes a little longer, usually around five to six weeks before you can start snipping leaves.
 

1. Starting Cilantro Direct in the Ground

Cilantro hates being transplanted because it has a delicate taproot that doesn’t like disturbance.

To grow cilantro successfully, sow seeds directly in the garden or a deep container where it will stay.

Plant the seeds about a quarter-inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist until germination.

Thin the seedlings to about two inches apart so they have room to grow into full, bushy plants.
 

2. Starting Basil Indoors for a Head Start

Basil is much more forgiving about being transplanted, so you can start it indoors.

Sow basil seeds in small pots about six weeks before your last frost date.

Keep the soil warm and moist, and the seeds will sprout within a week or two.

Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, you can transplant them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
 

3. Timing Your Planting to Avoid Temperature Stress

The biggest mistake people make when they grow basil and cilantro is planting them at the same time.

Cilantro seeds will germinate in cool soil, even as low as 50°F, so you can sow it in early spring.

Basil will rot in cold soil, so you need to wait until the soil warms up to at least 65°F.

This means planting cilantro in early spring and basil a few weeks later, or using a fall planting for cilantro once the heat breaks.
 

How to Grow Basil and Cilantro in Containers for Easy Access

If you’re short on space or want fresh herbs right outside your kitchen door, containers are a fantastic option.

Growing basil and cilantro in pots gives you total control over their environment, which makes it easier to meet their different needs.
 

1. Choose the Right Pot Size

Basil has a decent-sized root system and needs a pot that’s at least eight inches deep.

Cilantro’s taproot also goes deep, so a pot that’s at least ten inches deep is ideal for it.

If you’re growing them together in one long planter, make sure it’s big enough to give each plant its own space.

Crowding these herbs will stress them out and reduce your harvest.
 

2. Use a High-Quality Potting Mix

A light, fluffy potting mix is perfect for growing basil and cilantro in containers.
 
Standard garden soil is too heavy and will compact in a pot, suffocating the roots.
 
Look for a mix that contains compost or slow-release fertilizer to feed your herbs over time.
 
And make sure your pots have drainage holes at the bottom so excess water can escape freely.
 

3. Position Pots for the Best Light

Since basil needs more sun than cilantro, try placing your pots in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
 
This gives basil the bright light it craves while protecting cilantro from the harshest afternoon heat.
 
If you’re using a windowsill, a south-facing window is best for basil, while an east-facing one works for cilantro.
 
You can also move the pots around throughout the day to balance their sunlight needs.
 

How to Grow Basil and Cilantro for Continuous Harvesting

The whole point of growing basil and cilantro is to have fresh leaves whenever you need them.
 
The key to a continuous harvest is knowing how to pick the leaves without killing the plant.
 
Both herbs respond well to regular harvesting, which actually encourages more growth.
 

1. Harvest Basil by Pinching Above a Leaf Pair

To harvest basil, never pull off individual leaves from the bottom of the stem.
 
Instead, use your fingers or clean scissors to pinch off the stem just above a pair of leaves.
 
This forces the plant to send out two new branches from that spot, giving you a bushier plant.
 
Always pinch off any flower buds you see, because once basil flowers, the leaves turn bitter.
 

2. Harvest Cilantro by Cutting Whole Stems

Cilantro is best harvested by cutting whole stems at the base, rather than picking individual leaves.
 
This allows the plant to regrow from the center, giving you another round of fresh leaves.
 
Start harvesting the outer stems first, and leave the inner ones to keep growing.
 
If your cilantro starts to flower, the leaves will lose their flavor, so it’s time to let it go to seed and harvest coriander instead.
 

3. Succession Planting for a Nonstop Supply

The best way to grow basil and cilantro for continuous harvest is to plant in succession.
 
This means planting a new batch of seeds every two to three weeks during the growing season.
 
For cilantro, this is crucial because it bolts so quickly in warm weather.
 
For basil, succession planting ensures you always have young, tender plants ready to take over as older ones slow down.
 

So, Can You Grow Basil and Cilantro Together Successfully?

Yes, you can grow basil and cilantro together, but you need to be mindful of their different needs.
 
Basil wants full sun, warm soil, and plenty of heat, while cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and some afternoon shade.
 
With the right timing, proper container choices, and a consistent watering schedule, both herbs can thrive in the same garden or even the same pot.
 
The key is to plant cilantro in the cooler months and basil in the warmer months, or use shade cloth to protect cilantro from intense sun.
 
By following the steps we’ve covered, you’ll have a thriving herb garden that gives you fresh basil and cilantro all season long.
 
So get your seeds started, find the perfect spot, and enjoy the incredible flavor of homegrown herbs.