In this article, you will learn which companion plants for cilantro could boost the growth of your beloved herb. Not just that, these plants will protect your herbs from pests as well.
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is a much-loved culinary herb all around the world. It is commonly known as coriander or Mexican parsley. You can easily grow this wonderful herb in your kitchen garden or even in small containers.
There are a lot of plants that can help cilantro flourish when grown in its vicinity. But, at the same time, the wrong companion plant may hinder its growth. Here, we’ll find the best companion plants for cilantro that can help its growth.
List of the Best Companion Plants for Cilantro
1. Anise
Anise is a flowering plant that grows in the same conditions as cilantro.
So planting anise near your cilantro plant will improve its growth. And it will help cilantro seeds germinate quickly.
2. Sweet Alyssum
Alyssum produces delicately beautiful, sweetly scented flowers. It is an outstanding choice to plant with cilantro.
And that’s because alyssum keeps cilantro safe from the attack of aphids (garden pests). Coriander and green peach aphids love eating cilantro.
Alyssum attracts beneficial insects like green lacewing larvae and lady beetles, which feed on aphids. And like this, alyssum acts as a natural insecticide for cilantro.
3. Dill
For many reasons, dill is an excellent herb to grow alongside cilantro. First, dill shares the same growth conditions as cilantro.
Secondly, dill produces umbrella-shaped flowers, similar to cilantro. And the aroma of these flowers attracts beneficial insects. Thus, planting dill and cilantro together will work as a natural pest control.
Moreover, dill itself is a well-known culinary herb. It is famous for its unique aroma, spicy flavor, and numerous health benefits. So, adding dill as a companion plant to cilantro will give you another zesty herb to cook with.
4. Legumes
Cilantro grows well alongside plants that increase the nitrogen content in the soil.
Soil uses this nitrogen to produce nitrates, which enhances the nutritional content of cilantro leaves. In this regard, legumes growing near cilantro are great.
All kinds of beans are perfect for growing next to cilantro. For example, runner beans, wax beans, pole beans, and string beans are great options. Similarly, peas and lupines are great nitrogen sources to prepare the soil and enrich it with nutrients.
5. Sunflowers
Growing cilantro with plants that provide cool shade can have a positive effect on its growth.
Smaller varieties of sunflower, such as Lemon Queen, Red Velvet, and Italian White, are some of the best examples in this regard.
It is better to avoid taller sunflower varieties when growing near cilantro, as they may provide too much shade to prevent the plant’s healthy ripening.
6. Zinnia
Zinnia is another beautiful flowery plant that works perfectly well as a companion plant for cilantro.
The big and brightly colored flowers and large leaves attract pollinators. In addition to attracting many pollinators, its large-sized leaves and flowers offer shade to the other herbs.
7. Potatoes
Cilantro is a savior plant for potatoes as it protects the potatoes from potato beetles.
Potato beetles can ruin the growth of potatoes. However, cilantro can attract predatory insects that prey on potato beetles. And safeguard the potato plant from pests. Thus, it makes a great companion for them.
8. Water-Loving Herbs
Because they share similar growth conditions, such as full-sun, cilantro loves growing near other herbs.
They also have similar requirements for nourishment. For example, you can plant parsley, basil, chervil with cilantro. In addition, you can grow all these herbs in the same container for ease of watering.
However, not all kinds of herbs are good to grow with cilantro. For example, chives, tarragon, tansy, thyme, and yarrow, which do not require ample watering, should not be planted near cilantro. Similarly, it is advisable to plant rosemary separately as it requires more space and a sunny bed to grow ideally.
Benefits of Companion Planting
In many ways, companion planting can be helpful for your gardening. Essentially, it helps maximize the plant’s growth rate and overall health. Here are some of the most beneficial aspects of this practice that can improve the cilantro plant’s growth.
- Improves Nutritional Value of Soil
Plants absorb the soil’s nutritional content to grow. That’s why it is essential to prepare the ground before any plantation. Companion planting can naturally improve the soil’s nutritional value. In addition, it can act as a natural fertilizer. For example, legumes add one of the much-needed nutrients, nitrogen, to the earth. Nitrogen is one of the essential elements plants need to thrive. Thus, the planting of these plants can have a huge impact on cilantro’s health and growth.
- Repels Insects
Insects are the main enemies of your garden. Companion plants like catnip, rue, and dill can act as natural insecticides and help keep your crop pest-free. On the flip side, some companion plants such as nasturtiums and calendula attract certain insect pests. Planting these insect-attracting plants at a distance will lure them away from your garden.
- Protects From Heat
Growing leafy plants serves as a cool blanket against the hot sun rays. In addition, it protects other plants from the harmful effects of direct sunlight. Therefore, your cilantro plant can get the heat it needs without the risk of getting burnt.
- Enhances Growth
Many companion plants enhance the taste and improve the growth of nearby plants. Certain chemical compounds released into the soil by these plants can improve the flavor of the cilantro while accelerating its maturation.
Final Thoughts on Cilantro Companion Plants
The concept of companion planting was developed based on many years of gardeners’ experience. And undoubtedly, garden wisdom has proven to be highly beneficial alongside scientific research. In addition to knowing the best companion plants for cilantro, it is also good to know the plants that may undermine their growth.
This knowledge will help you choose suitable companions and avoid planting herbs that might deteriorate the cilantro.
The companion plants for cilantro mentioned above prove to be significant for cilantro’s growth. They will accelerate the development of your cilantro, improve the soil, protect it from different natural threats, and keep your garden safe and pest-free. Overall, make it easy for you to grow your cilantro.
