How to Grow Aromatic Herbs (Basil & Cilantro)
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Aromatic Herbs (Basil & Cilantro)
Ocimum basilicum & Coriandrum sativum
herbBasil and cilantro are fast-growing aromatic herbs prized for culinary use and natural pest deterrent properties. Both thrive in warm seasons and attract beneficial insects while repelling common garden pests through their volatile essential oils. These herbs are staples in vegetable gardens for their dual purpose as food and companion plants.
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Example Aromatic Herbs (Basil & Cilantro) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Aromatic Herbs (Basil & Cilantro)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Aromatic Herbs (Basil & Cilantro)
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Basil thrives in zones 10-11 year-round, grown as annual in zones 2-9. Cilantro prefers cooler seasons in zones 3-11
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Get my Aromatic Herbs (Basil & Cilantro) timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-14 daysTiny cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves. Plant is delicate and low-growing.
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light indoors or dappled outdoor light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid leaf expansion with bushy branching. Plant develops characteristic aroma and flavor. Stems strengthen and thicken.
Pinch off growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness. Water consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for pests.
Flowering
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at stem tips (small delicate flowers in basil; tiny clustered flowers in cilantro). Plant energy shifts toward reproduction.
Pinch off flower buds on basil to extend leaf harvest and preserve flavor. Allow some cilantro flowers for seed production if desired. Flowering attracts beneficial insects.
Seed Production
3-4 weeksFlowers develop into seeds. Basil produces small seeds in pod-like structures; cilantro develops round coriander seeds.
Leave mature flowers on plant if saving seeds. Allow seeds to dry on plant before harvesting. Cilantro commonly self-seeds in gardens.
Harvest & Decline
Until frost or plant exhaustionPlant becomes woody and less flavorful after heavy flowering. Cilantro bolts quickly in heat; basil gradually loses quality with frost.
Harvest frequently to maintain productivity. Succession plant cilantro every 2-3 weeks for continuous supply. Replace basil plants as they decline.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick early morning. Plant basil as deterrent for nearby vegetables. Use neem oil spray if infestation is severe.
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Spray strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage ladybugs by planting cilantro flowers.
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Increase humidity with regular misting. Spray neem oil on leaf undersides. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray insecticidal soap. Basil's volatiles naturally repel them; plant near vulnerable crops.
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Hand-pick visible caterpillars. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Cilantro flowers attract parasitic wasps.
Uses
Fresh cooking & pesto
CulinaryBasil is essential for Italian pesto, Thai cuisine, and fresh tomato dishes. Cilantro is fundamental in Mexican, Indian, and Asian cuisines, offering bright, citrusy flavor to salsas, curries, and fresh applications. [source]
Anti-inflammatory & digestive support
MedicinalBasil contains eugenol and other compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Cilantro has been traditionally used to support digestion and may help with heavy metal detoxification. [source]
Natural garden pest repellent
Pest_deterrentBasil's volatile essential oils repel thrips, whiteflies, mosquitoes, and other insects when planted near vegetables. Cilantro attracts beneficial parasitic wasps and repels aphids, making it an excellent companion planting strategy. [source]
Fresh arrangements & air freshening
HouseholdFresh basil and cilantro stems last 1-2 weeks in water indoors, providing aroma and harvest-as-needed convenience. Both herbs naturally freshen indoor air with their essential oils. [source]
Pollinator & beneficial insect support
WildlifeBasil and cilantro flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps that control aphids and other pests. Allowing some flowers to bloom creates a beneficial insect ecosystem in the garden. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest basil leaves once plant has 6-8 true leaves by pinching off top 1/4 inch of stems; encourages bushiness. Cilantro: pinch leaves as needed starting 3-4 weeks after planting, or harvest entire plant at once. Both herbs are most flavorful harvested in early morning after dew dries. Continuous harvesting extends productivity and delays bolting. Freeze basil in oil or as pesto; dry cilantro leaves or seeds for storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Basil's name comes from the Greek 'basileus' meaning 'king,' and it's considered the 'king of herbs' in Mediterranean cuisine.
- 🌱 Cilantro is polarizing due to the OR6A2 gene variant: some people perceive it as fresh and citrusy while others taste soap-like aldehydes, making it genuinely taste different to different people.
- 🌱 Both herbs are highly aromatic because they produce volatile essential oils (linalool in basil, linalool and geraniol in cilantro) that repel insects—the same compounds that make them culinary treasures.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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