What Not to Plant With Cilantro: Gardening Tips
What Not to Plant With Cilantro?
Cilantro should not be planted with other herbs that have strong scents, such as basil and dill, as they may overpower the aroma of cilantro.
Additionally, fennel should be avoided as it can inhibit cilantro’s growth.
Plants from the cabbage family, like broccoli and cauliflower, as well as brassicas like kale and Brussels sprouts, can stunt cilantro’s growth and should not be grown together.
Legumes like peas and beans should also be avoided, as they may compete for nutrients with cilantro.
On the other hand, cilantro can be successfully grown with lettuce or salad greens, radishes, carrots, and tomatoes, as they do not interfere with cilantro’s growth and can even provide some benefits like shade or pest deterrence.
Key Points:
- Avoid planting cilantro with herbs that have strong scents, like basil and dill
- Fennel should be avoided as it can inhibit cilantro’s growth
- Cabbage family plants, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts, can stunt cilantro’s growth and should not be grown together
- Legumes like peas and beans should also be avoided as they may compete for nutrients with cilantro
- Cilantro can be successfully grown with lettuce or salad greens, radishes, carrots, and tomatoes
- Lettuce, salad greens, radishes, carrots, and tomatoes do not interfere with cilantro’s growth and can even provide some benefits like shade or pest deterrence.
Did You Know?
1. Cilantro, also known as coriander, should not be planted alongside fennel, as the two plants are natural enemies. When grown together, they will hinder each other’s growth and affect their flavor.
2. It is recommended to avoid planting cilantro near tomatoes, peppers, or potatoes, as they are susceptible to the same types of pests and diseases. Keeping them separate can prevent the spread of any potential infestations.
3. Surprisingly, planting cilantro in close proximity to anise can enhance its flavor. Anise and cilantro share certain aromatic compounds that complement each other, creating a delightful fusion of flavors.
4. Cilantro is a cool-season herb, meaning it grows best in mild temperatures. To ensure a continuous supply, stagger planting cilantro with two-week intervals, allowing for a fresh harvest throughout the season.
5. Cilantro has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is believed to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and even help with anxiety and insomnia. So, planting cilantro in your garden not only provides a tasty herb but also offers potential health benefits.
Incompatible Herb Companions For Cilantro
Cilantro, with its distinct aroma and flavor, can be a wonderful addition to any garden. However, it’s important to consider the plants that may not thrive alongside cilantro. One such group is other herbs with strong scents, such as basil and dill. These herbs have the potential to overpower the delicate fragrance of cilantro, which can result in a loss of its characteristic taste and aroma.
Basil, known for its robust and distinctive aroma, has a tendency to dominate a garden bed. When planted alongside cilantro, it may overshadow the subtle scent of the cilantro leaves, thereby reducing their impact in culinary dishes. Similarly, the strong fragrance of dill can also overpower cilantro’s flavor, leading to a less desirable outcome. To fully appreciate the unique qualities of cilantro, it’s best to avoid planting it alongside herbs with overpowering scents.
To summarize:
- Cilantro can be a great addition to a garden.
- Avoid planting cilantro alongside herbs with strong scents, such as basil and dill.
- These herbs have the potential to overpower cilantro’s delicate fragrance and affect its taste.
- To fully appreciate cilantro’s unique qualities, keep it separate from overpowering herbs.
Avoid Planting Fennel And Cabbage Family Plants With Cilantro
When planning your garden, it’s crucial to consider the interactions between various plants. Cilantro and fennel, for example, are not the best of companions. Fennel has been known to inhibit the growth of cilantro, potentially leading to underdeveloped plants. It’s advisable to create some distance between these two herbs to allow both to thrive independently.
Additionally, plants from the cabbage family, such as broccoli and cauliflower, can impede the growth of cilantro. Although they may share the same garden bed, it’s important to note that cabbage family plants tend to have larger foliage and grow tall. This can result in overshadowing the cilantro, limiting its access to sunlight and stunting its growth. To ensure healthy and vibrant cilantro plants, it’s best to keep them away from their cabbage family counterparts.
- Keep cilantro and fennel separate to allow independent growth.
- Avoid planting cilantro near broccoli and cauliflower to prevent overshadowing and limited access to sunlight.
Brassicas And Legumes: Not Ideal For Growing Alongside Cilantro
Incompatible plant companions for cilantro include brassicas, such as kale and Brussels sprouts. These plants can have similar effects as cabbage family plants, hindering the growth of cilantro and diminishing its overall productivity. The taller and denser foliage of brassicas can create shade, limiting the amount of sunlight that cilantro receives, which is detrimental to its growth.
Legumes, such as peas and beans, can also pose a challenge when grown alongside cilantro. These nitrogen-fixing plants tend to compete for nutrients in the soil, potentially depriving cilantro of the resources it needs to flourish. It’s advisable to plant cilantro separately or in a different area to ensure it has adequate access to nutrients and water.
- Brassicas, such as kale and Brussels sprouts, can hinder cilantro growth by creating shade.
- Legumes, such as peas and beans, compete for nutrients with cilantro, affecting its flourishing.
Compatible Plant Companions For Cilantro
While growing cilantro, it is important to avoid certain plants. However, there are also a few plants that can serve as excellent companions. Here are some plants that make ideal companions for cilantro:
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Lettuce or salad greens: These plants have similar light and water requirements to cilantro, making them perfect companions. They can be grown side by side, sharing resources without hindering each other’s growth.
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Radishes: Radishes not only deter pests, but they also have a beneficial symbiotic relationship with cilantro. They release certain compounds into the soil that can improve the flavor and growth of cilantro. Therefore, growing radishes alongside cilantro is highly recommended.
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Carrots: Carrots can be grown alongside cilantro, and their tall foliage can provide shade for cilantro during hot weather. This shading helps prevent cilantro from bolting and extends its overall growth period. As a result, you get a longer harvest window.
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Tomatoes: Unlike some other plants, tomatoes do not interfere with cilantro’s growth. In fact, they can provide shade, protecting cilantro from excessive heat and prolonging its growing season.
Overall, growing these plants alongside cilantro can benefit its growth and ensure a healthy harvest.
Lettuce, Radishes, Carrots, And Tomatoes: Suitable For Growing With Cilantro
When planning your garden, it is crucial to consider the compatibility of plants to ensure optimal growth and productivity.
When it comes to cilantro, it is best to avoid planting it alongside herbs with strong scents like basil and dill, as well as fennel, cabbage family plants, brassicas, and legumes.
However, cilantro can thrive alongside lettuce, radishes, carrots, and tomatoes, creating a harmonious garden bed that enhances the growth and flavor of each plant.
By making informed decisions and selecting suitable companions for cilantro, you can ensure a successful and bountiful harvest. Happy gardening!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does cilantro not like to be planted with?
Cilantro does not thrive when planted alongside certain herbs such as lavender, thyme, and rosemary, as their preference for drier conditions can conflict with cilantro’s need for moist soil. Additionally, it is best to avoid planting cilantro near carrots, as they belong to the same family and can lead to stunted growth and cross-pollination interference between the two plants.
What is best to plant next to cilantro?
To enhance the growth of cilantro, it is recommended to plant nitrogen-fixing plants such as beans, peas, or other legumes. These plants have the ability to improve soil quality by increasing nitrogen levels, which is crucial for the development of lush leafy crops. By planting legumes near cilantro, you can create an environment that provides abundant nutrients to the cilantro plants, resulting in a more robust and flavorful harvest.
Can I plant cilantro and basil together?
Yes, planting cilantro and basil together is a great idea. Both herbs require similar care, such as ample sunlight and regular watering. By planting them together, you can create a harmonious herb garden that is easy to care for. Additionally, cilantro and basil complement each other well in various dishes, making them a perfect pair for both culinary and gardening enthusiasts.
Can I plant mint and cilantro together?
Yes, it is indeed possible to plant mint and cilantro together. Mint and cilantro make great companion plants as they both thrive well in similar growing conditions. Mint, with its strong aroma, can act as a natural deterrent for pests that may harm cilantro. Additionally, the cool season growth of cilantro can be complemented by the shade provided by the mint, especially when planted under tomatoes. The combination of these two herbs can create a harmonious and beneficial presence in your garden.