Herbs are a great addition to any garden, and cilantro is no exception. This flavorful herb has a variety of uses, both in the kitchen and in the garden.
In this blog post, we will introduce you to the best cilantro companion plants and discuss the benefits when planting with this herb.
We’ll also provide tips on how to plant and care for cilantro as well as some fun facts. Keep reading to learn more!
Why Plant Add Companion Plants with Your Cilantro?
Companion planting with cilantro is a great way to introduce beneficial insects and other organisms into the garden, helping to keep the environment healthy and productive.
Cilantro is an excellent companion plant as it attracts many predatory insects that prey on pest insects. It also helps increase the pollination of nearby plants by attracting beneficial insects like bees and lady bugs.
By letting the cilantro bolt at the end of its season and go to flower, you can provide a food source for beneficial insects in the garden.
The Best Cilantro Companion Plants for Cilantro
Cilantro is a versatile and flavorful herb that adds an extra layer of flavor to many dishes. It can also be used as a companion plant in the garden, helping to repel pests like potato beetles, spider mites, and aphids.
Cilantro plants attract beneficial insects such as bees, parasitoid wasps, hoverflies, ladybugs, and lacewings once they have gone to flower.
Companion planting cilantro alongside other herbs and veggies can also improve the soil structure and help provide nutrients for nearby plants.
Legume family plants like pole beans, green beans sugar snap peas make great companion plants to grow near cilantro, as they fix nitrogen in the soil which is an important nutrient for strong, healthy growth. Other good cilantro companion plants include in the list below.
Flowers
Cosmos
Sweet Alyssum
Marigolds
Vegetables
Cabbage
Tomatoes
Lettuce
Spinach
Peppers
Herbs for Cilantro Companion Plants
Mint
Parsley
Dill
What to Avoid Planting with Cilantro
Rosemary
Thyme
Lavender
Fennel
The worst cilantro companion plants are herbs like rosemary, thyme, and lavender that require full sun and dry, free-draining soil and are not natural growing partners for cilantro.
Likewise, companion planting cilantro near bulbs or common herbs like fennel should be avoided as they release a naturally-occurring chemical into the soil which inhibits the development of many plants, including cilantro.
Companion planting cilantro in these conditions will result in poor growth and the plant going to seed.
Be aware of too much shade and excess soil moisture as it can cause root rot.
It is important to choose companion plants carefully when growing cilantro to ensure its success!
What is Companion Planting?
Are you lost? Well if you made it past the above few paragraphs and you are unsure what is going on. Let us shed some light on the subject for you.
Companion planting is a method of gardening where different types of plants are grown together for their mutual benefit. It is based on the idea that certain plants can help increase yields, repel insects, and improve soil fertility.
The goal of companion planting is to create an environment where beneficial organisms such as beneficial insects, birds, and beneficial bacteria can thrive. In turn, the plants in the garden will be more successful, healthier, and better able to resist pests and diseases.
The practice of companion planting has been used for hundreds of years by farmers and gardeners alike as a way to maximize crop yields while reducing chemical inputs.
There, now you know.
Beneficial Insects
Attracting beneficial insects to your garden is a great way to ensure that it stays healthy and productive. These insects, such as praying mantis, bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, help pollinate nearby plants, and reduce the number of pests in the garden.
Not only will the plants benefit from their presence, but you’ll also be rewarded for your efforts with a beautiful and vibrant garden. With some basic gardening techniques, it’s easy to make your garden an oasis of life and sustainability!
To get more info on what attracts beneficial insects check out Creating A Bee-Friendly Garden: 27 Essential Plants To Attract Pollinators!
Steps for Planting and Maintaining Cilantro Alongside its Companions
When planting companion plants alongside cilantro plants, it is important to ensure you are providing the right environment for all plants.
Start by selecting a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight and has well-draining soil. You should also avoid planting in overly wet or damp areas which can cause root rot.
Once you have selected your site, you can begin planting. Plant cilantro and its companion plants at least 8 inches apart to ensure adequate space for growth.
Water the plants regularly and mulch around them in order to help retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing around them. We also like to fertilize every two to three weeks.
It is important to regularly check the plants for any signs of pests or disease and take immediate action if necessary. If the cilantro begins to bolt we recommend leaving it to harvest coriander seeds for culinary uses or next year’s planting.
By following these steps you will be able to successfully maintain your cilantro and its companion plants for a healthy, productive garden!
Cilantro From Seed
Growing cilantro has to be one of the easiest herbs to grow from seed. The seeds are relatively small, so you don’t need to worry about sowing them too deep and they germinate quickly in warm soil.
When sowing your cilantro, you should sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 8 inches apart in rows that are spaced at least one foot apart. Make sure to keep the soil moist until the plants have emerged from the soil.
Once your cilantro has reached 2 inches in height and has its first set of true leaves you can begin fertilizing.
Tips to Help Keep Your Garden Healthy and Balanced
To maintain a healthy and balanced vegetable garden, we recommend practicing organic gardening methods and nurturing the ecosystem.
Choose plants that are well suited to your region and climate as they will be better adapted to survive any potential pest or disease issues. Provide adequate water and nutrients through mulching, composting, fertilizing, and other sustainable soil management practices.
Select companion plants that will benefit both each other and your cilantro in terms of their natural pest control and management, nutrient uptake, and water penetration so that the soil remains healthy and balanced. Plant flowers to attract beneficial insects like bees, hoverflies, parasitoid wasps, ladybugs, and lacewings. And rotate crops annually.
“Feed the soil – Not the plants”
Fun Facts About Cilantro
Cilantro has to be one of our favorite herbs to grow and it makes the best companion plant. We can always find something to make with it from salsa, guacamole and even topping our eggs in the morning. Here are a few of our favorite fun facts about cilantro:
Soapiness
Not everyone loves the taste of cilantro. In fact, some people think it tastes like soap!
But why is this? It turns out that those who have a strong dislike for cilantro may have a variation in a group of olfactory-receptor genes, allowing them to strongly perceive the soapy-flavored aldehydes in cilantro leaves.Interestingly, places where cilantro is especially popular, such as Central America and India, have fewer people with these genes. This might explain how the herb was able to become such a beloved part of those cultures’ cuisine! So if you don’t like cilantro, it’s not your fault – it could be in your genes!
Coriander
As mentioned earlier, cilantro is also known as coriander. While the leaves are used fresh in cooking, it’s the small, round seeds that are commonly referred to as coriander and are often used dry for their distinct flavor in baking and curries. But did you know that you can use them both fresh and dried? Fresh coriander seeds can be used to flavor soups and stews, while dried coriander adds a unique flavor to baked goods.
Ancient Uses
Cilantro has been used in vegetable and herb gardens for centuries as a medicinal herb. Ancient Egyptians would use it to treat digestive problems, and the Chinese included it in many of their traditional remedies. In Ayurvedic medicine, cilantro is believed to be cleansing and it is often used to help detoxify the body. It is also considered an aphrodisiac in some cultures. So next time you’re cooking with cilantro, think about all of the history and cultural significance that it represents!
Culinary Versatility
Cilantro is one of those herbs that can be used in many different dishes.
It adds an extra zing to salsa and guacamole, and it can be used to flavor meats, vegetables, fish, and soups.
You can also add it to salads, omelets, and sandwiches for a unique twist on an old favorite. Plus, cilantro is incredibly versatile – you can use the leaves fresh or dried, or even mince them up into tiny bits!
Deer Hate Cilantro
And lastly, if you live in an area with a lot of deer, cilantro could be your saving grace! Deer don’t seem to like the taste of the herb and will usually stay away from it. This makes it a great addition to any garden, as it’s easy to grow and won’t be eaten by pesky animals.
Slo-Bolt
Cilantro for us in zone 9b tends to be more of a fall crop because it does not like the heat too much. It can still be grown in the spring but tends to bolt quickly. Slo-Bolt Cilantro was introduced to help with that challenge, as it is a slower bolting variety of cilantro, meaning you get more consistent harvests throughout the season.
So if you’re looking for a reliable source of delicious cilantro all season long, try Slo-Bolt! It’s easy to grow and can tolerate cooler temperatures, making it the perfect addition to your garden. Plus, you’ll love having a supply of fresh cilantro right at your fingertips!
Final Thoughts
It is clear that cilantro is one of the most valuable plants to have in our garden. Not only does it taste great, but when planted along with companion plants, it can produce an impressive bounty of healthy, leafy vegetables and delicious herbs.
If you are looking for a way to make the most out of your garden, then adding cilantro and its companion plants is a great start. With such an array of best cilantro companion plant options, there’s something here for everyone.
So don’t wait any longer – go ahead and give it a try this spring or fall! Not only will you show your green thumb off and be doing something good for nature, but you’ll also be providing tasty fresh herbs and veggies all summer long.
