What Grows Well With Cilantro: Companion Planting Guide
What Grows Well With Cilantro?
Cilantro grows well with a variety of plants including anise, basil, beans, peas, brassica vegetables, dill, lettuce, parsley, sweet alyssum, Swiss chard, and leafy greens such as kale and collard greens.
Key Points:
- Cilantro grows well with:
- anise
- basil
- beans
- peas
- brassica vegetables
- dill
- lettuce
- parsley
- Swiss chard
- leafy greens
- It also grows well with:
- sweet alyssum
- kale
- collard greens
- Cilantro is compatible with a variety of different plants.
- Anise, basil, and dill are herbs that pair well with cilantro.
- Beans, peas, and brassica vegetables (such as broccoli or cabbage) are good companion plants for cilantro.
- Cilantro can thrive alongside sweet alyssum and leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and collard greens.
Did You Know?
1. Cilantro is known as a companion plant, meaning that it thrives when grown alongside certain other plants. One of its best companions is the tomato plant, as they both help each other repel pests and diseases.
2. When grown with cilantro, peppers also benefit from the association. Cilantro emits a compound called linalool, which attracts beneficial insects that prey on pepper pests, such as aphids.
3. Cilantro is often planted near spinach for a good reason: it acts as a natural shade provider for spinach leaves. This helps prevent the spinach from bolting prematurely and enhances its overall growth.
4. Carrots and cilantro make great gardening neighbors. The strong aroma of cilantro repels carrot flies, which are known to damage the roots of the carrot plants.
5. For those looking to deter harmful insects from their cilantro patch, planting it close to anise plants can be highly effective. Anise produces compounds that naturally repel pests that commonly attack cilantro, such as aphids and spider mites.
Anise: A Perfect Pairing For Cilantro
Anise (Pimpinella anisum), with its licorice-like flavor, complements cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) beautifully. When grown side by side, these two herbs create a flavor explosion in the garden and on your plate.
Both cilantro and anise thrive in similar growing conditions, making them ideal planting partners.
Cilantro, known for its bright green leaves and pungent aroma, pairs wonderfully with anise due to their shared earthy undertones. The sweet notes of anise help balance the strong flavors of cilantro, resulting in a harmonious combination.
Planting them together not only enhances the taste of your culinary creations but also adds visual interest to your garden with their contrasting textures and shapes.
When cultivating cilantro and anise, it is important to ensure they receive enough sunlight and well-draining soil. These herbs prefer a cool to moderate climate, making them ideal for spring and fall plantings.
By planting cilantro and anise in close proximity, you can conveniently harvest them simultaneously, adding depth and complexity to your dishes.
- Anise (Pimpinella anisum) complements cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) with its licorice-like flavor.
- Both herbs thrive in similar growing conditions, making them ideal planting partners.
- Cilantro and anise have shared earthy undertones, with anise’s sweet notes balancing the strong flavors of cilantro.
- Planting them together enhances culinary creations and adds visual interest to the garden.
- Ensure cilantro and anise receive enough sunlight and well-draining soil.
- These herbs prefer a cool to moderate climate, suitable for spring and fall plantings.
- Harvest cilantro and anise simultaneously for added depth and complexity in dishes.
The Perfect Companions: Cilantro And Basil
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) are a dynamic duo that every herb garden should feature. These aromatic powerhouses not only bring their unique flavors to the table but also provide mutual benefits when grown together.
Both cilantro and basil enjoy similar growing conditions, making them compatible companions in the garden. They thrive in full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate watering. When planted together, cilantro and basil create a vibrant visual display, with their contrasting leaf shapes and colors adding aesthetic appeal to your garden beds or containers.
Beyond their visual appeal, cilantro and basil make the perfect pairing in the kitchen. Cilantro’s zesty, citrusy flavor complements basil’s sweet and slightly peppery taste, resulting in a delightful medley of flavors. From pestos and salsas to soups and salads, the possibilities are endless when combining these two herbs in your culinary endeavors.
Growing Cilantro Alongside Beans And Peas
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) thrives when planted alongside beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and peas (Pisum sativum). These legumes provide both physical and nutritional support for cilantro.
Beans and peas have a climbing habit and their tall, trellising vines create shade that protects cilantro from the sun and heat during hot summer months. This shade is beneficial for cilantro’s growth. In return, cilantro’s compact growth acts as a living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth around the beans and peas.
Moreover, beans and peas have a symbiotic relationship with certain bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants. These legumes enrich the soil with nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for cilantro’s healthy growth.
To ensure the optimal growth of cilantro, provide structures such as trellises for the legumes to climb. This will maximize the use of space and promote efficient growth. Additionally, regular watering and well-drained soil are necessary for all three plants to thrive in a mutually beneficial manner.
Cilantro And Brassica Vegetables: A Winning Combination
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) and brassica vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, form a winning combination in both the garden and the kitchen. The distinct flavors of cilantro, often described as bright and citrusy, perfectly complement the earthy and slightly bitter taste profile of brassicas.
When grown together, cilantro acts as a natural insect repellent for brassica vegetables. Cilantro’s strong aroma helps repel pests like aphids, moths, and cabbage worms, reducing the risk of infestations and the need for chemical interventions. Additionally, cilantro’s abundant foliage acts as a natural shade, protecting young brassica seedlings from the scorching sun.
Brassicas, on the other hand, provide a beneficial microclimate for cilantro by shielding it from excessive wind and providing partial shade during hot weather. This symbiotic relationship between cilantro and brassicas promotes overall plant health and enhances the flavors of both crops.
To successfully grow cilantro and brassica vegetables together, ensure they receive adequate sunlight, well-drained soil, and regular watering. By planting these companions in your garden, you can enjoy the convenience of harvesting both aromatic cilantro and nutritious brassicas for your culinary creations.
- Cilantro serves as a natural insect repellent for brassica vegetables
- Cilantro’s aroma helps repel pests like aphids, moths, and cabbage worms
- Cilantro’s foliage provides shade for young brassica seedlings
- Brassicas shield cilantro from excessive wind and provide partial shade
- This symbiotic relationship promotes overall plant health and enhances flavors
Enhancing Flavor With Cilantro And Dill
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) and dill (Anethum graveolens) are an herbaceous pair that excites the taste buds and adds depth to a variety of dishes.
- Cilantro brings its citrusy and tangy flavor to the table.
- Dill offers a distinctive anise-like taste.
- When used together, they create a sensational combination of flavors.
When planted side by side, cilantro and dill create a visual spectacle in the garden.
- Cilantro’s delicate, feathery leaves harmonize with dill’s lacy foliage, enhancing the overall beauty of your herb bed or container garden.
- Both herbs thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them easy to grow together.
In the kitchen, cilantro and dill offer endless culinary opportunities.
- Their fresh and vibrant flavors make them the perfect additions to a variety of dishes, from salads and marinades to soups and sauces.
- The zesty punch of cilantro perfectly balances the fragrance of dill, creating a symphony of flavors.
To enjoy the full potential of cilantro and dill in your garden and kitchen:
- Ensure regular watering, good airflow, and ample sunlight for optimal growth.
- By incorporating these herbs into your planting scheme, you can elevate your culinary repertoire with the aromatic delights they provide.
“Cilantro finds multiple plant companions in the herb and vegetable garden. Whether it’s the licorice-like flavor of anise, the vibrant notes of basil, the support of beans and peas, the taste pairing with brassica vegetables, or the flavor enhancement of dill, cilantro thrives when grown alongside these compatible plants.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should you not plant next to cilantro?
When planning your garden, it is best to avoid planting lavender, thyme, rosemary, and fennel next to cilantro. These herbs have different water requirements and prefer drier conditions, while cilantro thrives with regular watering. Additionally, cilantro may hinder fennel seed formation, making them incompatible companions.
What does cilantro grow best in?
Cilantro thrives best in cool weather, so it is recommended to plant it during the spring or fall. It requires full sun and well-drained soil with a pH ranging from 6.2 to 6.8. If you reside in a warmer climate, it is beneficial to provide some afternoon shade. To enhance the soil quality, incorporate a few inches of aged compost or rich organic matter. With these ideal conditions, cilantro can flourish and yield fresh, flavorful leaves for culinary use.
Does cilantro need a lot of space to grow?
Cilantro does not require a lot of space to grow. When planting cilantro for its leaves, the seeds should be planted ½ inch deep and spaced 2 inches apart. However, if you are planning to harvest coriander seed, the spacing should be wider, with seeds spaced 8-10 inches apart. It is recommended to plant cilantro in rows that are at least 15 inches apart. If you desire a continuous harvest, successive plantings can be done until late summer.
Is cilantro a good container plant?
Yes, cilantro can make a great container plant as long as you use a container with drainage holes. Cilantro dislikes wet roots, so it is essential to have proper drainage to prevent rotting. Selecting a container with holes in the bottom ensures that excess water can drain out, keeping the plant healthy. Additionally, containers with drainage holes enable bottom watering, providing a suitable environment for cilantro to thrive.