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Cilantro and parsley are two of the best companion plants you can grow together.
Both are cool-season herbs that thrive in similar conditions, so pairing them just makes sense.
If you’ve been wondering what to grow with cilantro and parsley, the answer is pretty simple once you understand what they need.
They love partial shade, consistent moisture, and rich, well-drained soil.
In this post, we’ll look at what to grow with cilantro and parsley, why those plants work well together, and what to avoid planting nearby.
Let’s dig in.
Why Cilantro and Parsley Grow Well Together
Cilantro and parsley are natural companions because they share nearly identical growing requirements.
Pairing them means you can care for both with the same watering and feeding routine.
1. They Share the Same Season
Both cilantro and parsley are cool-weather herbs.
They grow best in spring and fall when temperatures stay between 50°F and 70°F.
This means you can plant them at the same time and harvest them together.
2. They Like the Same Soil and Light
Cilantro and parsley both prefer rich, moist, well-draining soil.
They also both tolerate partial shade, which makes them perfect partners in a small herb garden.
3. They Attract Beneficial Insects
When cilantro and parsley flower, they attract hoverflies and parasitic wasps.
These insects help control pests like aphids, so growing them together boosts your whole garden.
Best Plants to Grow With Cilantro and Parsley
Now let’s look at the best companions to grow with cilantro and parsley.
These plants share the same needs and won’t compete for space or nutrients.
1. Basil
Basil loves warmth, but it grows happily alongside cilantro and parsley in summer.
It repels thrips and flies, and its strong scent can confuse pests looking for your herbs.
2. Mint
Mint spreads fast, so keep it in a pot, but it grows well with cilantro and parsley.
Its strong aroma deters cabbage moths and ants, making it a useful companion.
3. Chives
Chives are a perfect companion for cilantro and parsley.
They repel aphids and carrot flies, and their shallow roots won’t crowd your herbs.
4. Lettuce
Lettuce enjoys the same cool weather that cilantro and parsley love.
Planting lettuce between them creates a living mulch that keeps the soil cool and moist.
5. Spinach
Spinach is another cool-season crop that pairs beautifully with cilantro and parsley.
It grows low to the ground, so it won’t shade out your herbs.
6. Tomatoes
Tomatoes grow well with cilantro and parsley because the herbs help repel pests.
Just give tomatoes enough space, since they need more sun than the herbs do.
7. Chervil
Chervil is a close cousin of parsley and loves the same shady, moist spots.
Growing chervil with cilantro and parsley creates a lush, low-maintenance herb patch.
8. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, luring aphids away from your cilantro and parsley.
They also add a pop of color to your herb garden.
What Not to Grow With Cilantro and Parsley
Not every plant makes a good neighbor for cilantro and parsley.
Some compete for nutrients, while others attract pests or prefer different conditions.
1. Fennel
Fennel releases compounds that can stunt the growth of cilantro and parsley.
It’s best to keep fennel in its own separate spot.
2. Dill
Dill and cilantro can cross-pollinate if they flower at the same time.
That means you could end up with seeds that don’t taste like either herb.
3. Carrots
Carrots belong to the same family as cilantro and parsley.
They compete for the same nutrients and can attract the same pests, like carrot flies.
4. Arugula
Arugula grows fast and can quickly shade out young cilantro and parsley seedlings.
Give arugula its own space so your herbs get enough light.
5. Lavender
Lavender loves dry, sandy soil and full sun.
Cilantro and parsley need moisture and shade, so these two just don’t mix.
Tips for Growing Cilantro and Parsley Together
To get the most out of growing cilantro and parsley together, keep a few things in mind.
First, water consistently, since both herbs bolt quickly when the soil dries out.
Second, harvest often to encourage fresh growth and delay flowering.
Third, mulch around the base to keep the soil cool and moist.
And finally, give them a little afternoon shade if you live in a hot climate.
So, What to Grow With Cilantro and Parsley?
Cilantro and parsley grow well with basil, mint, chives, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, chervil, and nasturtiums.
These companions share similar growing needs and help repel pests.
Avoid planting fennel, dill, carrots, arugula, and lavender nearby, since they compete or clash with your herbs.
Hope this post has helped you figure out what to grow with cilantro and parsley.