Cilantro, the controversial herb with a fan club almost as devoted as its haters, is a staple in many gardens.
If you’re a cilantro lover like me (sorry, haters), you’ll know that this feisty plant isn’t always the easiest to grow.
Fear not, fellow gardeners!
With a little help from its friends, cilantro can thrive, and I’ve got the lowdown on 14 fantastic companion plants that will have your cilantro singing your praises.
Get your green thumb ready, and let’s dig in!
1. Basil
The Batman to cilantro’s Robin, basil is one dynamic duo that can’t be ignored.
Not only do these two culinary herbs look good together, but they also enhance each other’s flavors.
Basil helps repel pests that might be eyeing your precious cilantro, including aphids and whiteflies.
Plus, these two herbs can bond over their shared love of well-draining soil and a sunny spot in the garden.
And let’s not forget, basil’s wonderful scent will keep some pesky insects away, while your cilantro will return the favor by attracting beneficial insects like lacewings.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes and cilantro make for a salsa dance in your garden, with both plants bringing the flavors and the beauty.
Tomatoes benefit from cilantro’s ability to repel spider mites and attract helpful predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
In return, tomatoes provide the necessary shade to keep cilantro cool, as it has a tendency to bolt in hot conditions.
These garden buddies also share similar watering needs and soil preferences, making them a match made in garden heaven.
The added bonus is that tomatoes can act as a windbreak for your delicate cilantro plants.
3. Spinach
Spinach and cilantro are like the cool kids of the garden that everyone wants to hang out with.
These two leafy greens love to grow in similar conditions, with a penchant for cool weather and well-draining soil.
Their mutual appreciation for adequate space ensures that their roots won’t compete, making them perfect garden roommates.
Plus, spinach has a shallow root system, which won’t disturb cilantro’s deeper roots.
4. Marigolds
Every garden needs a pop of color, and marigolds are here to provide that vibrant touch while keeping your cilantro safe.
Marigolds are known for their pest-repelling properties, deterring nematodes and other unwanted insects.
The strong scent of marigolds can confuse pests looking for a cilantro feast, ultimately sending them on their way.
These bright flowers also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which will gladly snack on pests that might harm your cilantro.
5. Chervil
Chervil is like cilantro’s sophisticated European cousin that everyone is impressed by.
This delicate herb, with a flavor similar to parsley and tarragon, grows well alongside cilantro in the cooler seasons.
Chervil appreciates the same well-draining soil and light requirements as cilantro, making them ideal garden companions.
Their delicate flavors complement each other, and both herbs can be used in the same dishes, offering depth and complexity to your culinary creations.
6. Radishes
Radishes bring a bit of spice to the garden and make fantastic friends for cilantro.
These root veggies are fast-growing and can help to break up soil, improving the conditions for cilantro’s root growth.
Radishes also have a knack for attracting flea beetles, which means these pesky insects will be too busy with the radishes to bother your cilantro.
Plus, the peppery bite of radishes pairs wonderfully with the bright flavor of cilantro in the kitchen, so you’ll have a winning combination for your salads and other dishes.
7. Lettuce
Lettuce and cilantro are the dynamic duo that proves leafy greens should never be underestimated.
Both plants enjoy cool temperatures and require well-draining soil for optimal growth.
Lettuce acts as a living mulch for cilantro, helping to keep the soil cool and moist, which prevents cilantro from bolting too early.
With their similar growing requirements, lettuce and cilantro make excellent bedfellows in the garden and on your plate.
8. Dill
Dill, with its feathery leaves and delicate flavor, is a perfect garden companion for cilantro.
These two herbs share similar growing conditions, enjoying full sun, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture.
Dill’s tall, sturdy stems can provide support for your cilantro, shielding it from harsh winds.
Additionally, both herbs attract beneficial insects, like ladybugs and lacewings, which help to keep aphids and other pests in check.
9. Carrots
Carrots, the lovable root vegetables that bring color and crunch to your garden, are great buddies for cilantro.
Their long taproots can help break up the soil, creating better conditions for cilantro to grow.
Cilantro’s delicate roots won’t compete with carrots for nutrients or space, ensuring that both plants can coexist peacefully.
And as a bonus, the combined flavors of cilantro and carrots make for a deliciously fresh and zesty dish.
10. Peas
Peas and cilantro go together like two peas in a pod (pun intended!).
Both plants thrive in cooler weather and share similar soil and moisture preferences.
Peas can help to fix nitrogen in the soil, providing a natural fertilizer for cilantro to benefit from.
Growing these two plants together will give you a dynamic duo in your garden and a fantastic flavor combination in your kitchen.
11. Beans
Beans, like peas, are great companions for cilantro due to their nitrogen-fixing abilities.
This valuable trait helps enrich the soil, providing nutrients for cilantro and promoting healthy growth.
With similar growing preferences, beans and cilantro make a fantastic team in the garden.
These two plants also make a tasty combination in the kitchen, with the earthiness of beans complementing cilantro’s vibrant flavor.
12. Asparagus
Asparagus, the tall and elegant perennial, makes an unexpected yet excellent companion for cilantro.
These two plants have a mutually beneficial relationship, with cilantro helping to repel asparagus beetles and asparagus providing shade to keep cilantro cool.
Growing cilantro nearby can also help suppress weeds around your asparagus patch.
Together, they make a classy and delicious pairing in both your garden and your culinary creations.
13. Onions
Onions, the flavorful bulbs that make us cry tears of joy (or maybe just tears), are an ideal partner for cilantro.
Onions help to deter pests like aphids and spider mites, protecting your cilantro plants from harm.
Growing onions nearby can also mask the scent of cilantro, confusing and repelling potential pests.
And, of course, the combined flavors of onions and cilantro make for a savory delight in many dishes.
14. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums, the edible flowers that bring beauty and utility to your garden, are another excellent companion for cilantro.
These colorful plants help to repel aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that might otherwise target your cilantro.
Nasturtiums can also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which will feast on any lingering pests.
With their vibrant flowers and unique flavor, nasturtiums are a lovely addition to both your garden and your plate, adding an extra layer of beauty and complexity to your dishes.
Final Thoughts
With these 14 companion plants, your cilantro will not only survive but thrive in your garden.
These plant partners not only provide pest control, shade, and soil improvement, but they also create beautiful and tasty pairings for your kitchen creations.
Remember, gardening is all about experimentation and discovery, so feel free to mix and match these companions and find the best combinations for your cilantro and your garden.
Now go forth, my fellow green-thumbed friends, and create a cilantro paradise that will have both the lovers and haters turning green with envy. Happy gardening!