What To Plant With Basil And Cilantro

The best things to plant with basil and cilantro are herbs and vegetables that share their love for moist, rich soil and moderate sunlight.
 
When you’re figuring out what to plant with basil and cilantro, you want companions that won’t overshadow them or compete too aggressively for nutrients.
 
The truth is, both basil and cilantro are incredibly social plants that thrive when placed next to the right neighbors in your garden.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into the best companions for what to plant with basil and cilantro, the plants you should keep far away, and how to set up a thriving herb bed.
 
Let’s get growing.
 

What to Plant with Basil and Cilantro: The Best Companions

When you ask what to plant with basil and cilantro, the answer starts with understanding their needs.
 
Both herbs prefer similar conditions, like well-draining soil, consistent moisture, and around six hours of sunlight daily.
 
This makes them natural partners, but it also means their companions should enjoy the same environment.
 
So what to plant with basil and cilantro that fits that bill?
 
Let me walk you through some of the most rewarding pairings.
 

1. Tomatoes: The Classic Partner

If you’re wondering what to plant with basil and cilantro, tomatoes should be at the top of your list.
 
Tomatoes and basil are a legendary duo because basil repels pests like aphids and tomato hornworms while also improving the flavor of the fruit.
 
Cilantro fits right in too, as it attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato-eating pests.
 
Planting all three together creates a mini ecosystem where each herb supports the tomato plant’s health.
 
Just give them enough space so the tomato doesn’t shade out your basil and cilantro.
 

2. Peppers: A Spicy Companion

Peppers are another excellent answer to what to plant with basil and cilantro.
 
Peppers enjoy the same warm soil and consistent watering that basil and cilantro crave.
 
Basil’s strong scent confuses pests like spider mites and thrips that love to attack pepper plants.
 
Cilantro, meanwhile, brings in hoverflies and other predators that keep aphid populations in check.
 
This trio works beautifully in containers or raised beds, so you can grow them right on a sunny patio.
 

3. Leafy Greens: Spinach and Lettuce

Leafy greens are perfect when you’re thinking about what to plant with basil and cilantro because they won’t compete for vertical space.
 
Spinach and lettuce grow low to the ground, while basil and cilantro reach upward, so they coexist without crowding.
 
Cilantro actually helps leafy greens by repelling certain beetles that munch on their leaves.
 
Basil’s aromatic oils also mask the scent of lettuce, which can confuse hungry rabbits and deer.
 
This combo ensures you harvest a salad bowl of flavors from one small bed.
 

4. Root Vegetables: Carrots and Radishes

Root vegetables make surprising yet effective companions for what to plant with basil and cilantro.
 
Carrots and radishes grow underground, so they don’t interfere with the herbs’ root systems above.
 
Cilantro improves carrot germination and growth by loosening the soil as it develops.
 
Radishes mature quickly, giving you an early harvest while your basil and cilantro are still establishing themselves.
 
This staggered growth pattern keeps your garden productive all season long.
 

5. Other Herbs: Chives and Dill

Herbs love company, and chives and dill are top-tier when deciding what to plant with basil and cilantro.
 
Chives repel aphids and Japanese beetles, while their mild onion scent doesn’t clash with basil’s sweetness or cilantro’s citrusy punch.
 
Dill attracts ladybugs and lacewings, which feast on common garden pests.
 
Just plant dill a little apart from cilantro, as they can cross-pollinate and alter each other’s flavor over time.
 
With this crew, you’ll have a fragrant, pest-resistant herb garden that’s a joy to tend.
 

What Not to Plant with Basil and Cilantro

Knowing what to plant with basil and cilantro is half the battle, but you also need to know what to avoid.
 
Some plants simply don’t get along with these herbs, and mixing them can stunt growth or ruin flavors.
 
Here are the biggest offenders to keep out of your herb bed.
 

1. Fennel: The Bully

Fennel is notorious for inhibiting the growth of surrounding plants, and it’s a poor choice for what to plant with basil and cilantro.
 
It releases chemicals into the soil that can stunt basil’s growth and cause cilantro to bolt prematurely.
 
Keep fennel far away, maybe in its own corner of the garden, to protect your herbs.
 

2. Rue: The Flavor Ruiner

Rue is another plant that clashes with basil, so it’s not a candidate for what to plant with basil and cilantro.
 
Rue’s bitter oils can leach into the soil and taint the taste of nearby herbs.
 
It also attracts beetles that love to munch on both basil and cilantro leaves.
 
Skip rue entirely unless you have a very specific purpose for this medicinal herb.
 

3. Cucumbers: The Thirsty Neighbor

Cucumbers might seem like a good idea, but they’re a tricky one for what to plant with basil and cilantro.
 
Cucumbers have sprawling vines that can quickly overtake the space your herbs need.
 
They also require more water than basil and cilantro, which can lead to root rot in your herbs.
 
If you love cucumbers, grow them in a separate bed or train them on a trellis away from your herbs.
 

How to Arrange Your Herb Garden for Success

Now that you know what to plant with basil and cilantro, it’s time to talk about layout.
 
A little planning goes a long way so that every plant gets the light, water, and airflow it needs.
 
Start by placing taller plants like tomatoes and peppers at the north side of your bed.
 
Then, plant basil and cilantro in front of them where they’ll still catch plenty of sun.
 
Finally, tuck leafy greens and root veggies at the edges where they can spread out freely.
 
Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root systems, and mulch to lock in moisture.
 
This setup makes the most of your space and ensures all your companions thrive together.
 

So, What to Plant with Basil and Cilantro?

The best things to plant with basil and cilantro are tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs like chives and dill.
 
These companions share similar growing conditions, repel pests, and improve each other’s flavor and health.
 
Avoid fennel, rue, and cucumbers, as they’ll harm your herbs or compete too aggressively for resources.
 
With the right neighbors, your basil and cilantro will flourish, and you’ll have a vibrant, productive garden all season.
 
So roll up your sleeves, grab your trowel, and start planting with confidence.
 
Your taste buds will thank you when you’re harvesting fresh herbs for every meal.