How to Grow Herb Collection - Basil & Cilantro
Wikimedia Commons
Herb Collection - Basil & Cilantro
Ocimum basilicum & Coriandrum sativum
herbBasil and cilantro are warm-season annual herbs prized for their aromatic foliage. Both prefer sunlight but can tolerate partial shade, though with some trade-offs in flavor intensity and growth rate. Growing them together is possible with careful attention to their slightly different needs.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Herb Collection - Basil & Cilantro in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Herb Collection - Basil & Cilantro timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Herb Collection - Basil & Cilantro
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Herb Collection - Basil & Cilantro
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Herb Collection - Basil & Cilantro dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Basil and cilantro thrive in zones 5-10 as warm-season annuals; in zones 3-4 they require late spring planting after frost danger passes
Sign up free to see if Herb Collection - Basil & Cilantro grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Herb Collection - Basil & Cilantro timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling (Weeks 1-2)
1-2 weeksTiny seed leaves (cotyledons) emerge; true leaves follow. Plants are delicate and low to soil.
Keep soil evenly moist. Partial shade is beneficial here to prevent stress. Avoid overwatering which causes damping-off. Maintain 65-75°F temperature.
Vegetative Growth (Weeks 3-5)
2-3 weeksPlants develop true leaves and begin branching. Basil grows bushier; cilantro becomes taller and more spindly. Height 3-6 inches.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Begin pinching basil tops to encourage bushiness. In partial shade, monitor for leggy growth—ensure plants receive adequate light in morning or early afternoon. Water regularly but reduce slightly in shade.
Peak Leaf Production (Weeks 6-12)
6-7 weeksBoth herbs reach harvestable size. Basil develops dense foliage; cilantro becomes fuller. Plants are 8-15 inches tall.
Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth for basil. Pinch off flower buds from basil to extend leaf production. Cilantro will begin bolting in heat; partial shade delays this. In low-light conditions, reduce nitrogen-heavy fertilizing to prevent weak growth.
Flowering & Bolting (Weeks 10-14)
3-5 weeksBasil produces terminal flower spikes; cilantro sends up tall flower stems with small white/pink flowers. Leaf quality declines.
Deadhead basil flowers to extend harvest season. Cilantro bolts quickly in heat—partial shade can extend this window by 2-3 weeks. Allow some plants to flower if collecting seeds for next season.
Seed Development & Decline (Weeks 14+)
3-4 weeks until frost or gardener removalBoth plants set seed. Basil flowers mature into seed pods; cilantro produces aromatic coriander seeds. Overall plant vigor declines.
Leave late-summer flowers on cilantro to mature seeds. Basil seeds drop easily when ripe. Collect seeds on paper before they fall. Plan to replant for fall crop in mild zones.
Common Pests
-
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybugs with flowering plants nearby
-
Yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation in shaded areas to reduce humidity
-
Mist foliage regularly to increase humidity; spray with neem oil; partial shade naturally reduces their population compared to full sun
-
Allow soil surface to dry between waterings (critical in shade where moisture lingers); use sand layer on soil surface; yellow sticky traps for adults
-
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; partial shade can worsen this—ensure plants receive morning sun
-
and
Hand-pick in early morning; beer traps; copper barriers; partial shade increases their activity—maintain cleaner area around plants; encourage predators like ground beetles
Uses
Fresh cooking and flavor enhancement
CulinaryBasil is essential in Italian pesto, Thai curries, and fresh tomato dishes; cilantro is foundational to Mexican salsas, Indian curries, and Southeast Asian cuisine. Both herbs add bright, fresh flavor to soups, salads, and beverages. [source]
Coriander seeds from cilantro
CulinaryCilantro flowers develop into coriander seeds, a warm spice used in curries, pickling, and baking. Harvesting seeds provides dual-purpose use from one plant. [source]
Digestive and anti-inflammatory support
MedicinalCilantro has traditionally been used to aid digestion and reduce inflammation; basil contains essential oils with antioxidant properties. Both herbs are used in herbal teas and traditional medicine systems. [source]
Natural air freshening and pest control
HouseholdBoth herbs release aromatic compounds that naturally freshen indoor air and repel certain insects. Fresh sprigs can be placed in living spaces or dried for potpourri. [source]
Drying and preservation
CraftBoth basil and cilantro can be dried for year-round use, though cilantro loses flavor more quickly than basil. Dried basil maintains intensity; cilantro is better preserved by freezing in oil or ice cubes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting basil when plants are 6-8 inches tall by pinching off top 0.5 inches of stems; harvesting encourages bushiness. Harvest cilantro leaves similarly starting at 4-6 weeks. Pick leaves in early morning for best flavor and aroma. For cilantro seeds, allow late-season flowers to mature until seed heads turn brown and dry, then harvest. Remove outer/lower leaves first to maintain plant vigor. In partial shade, harvest more frequently to encourage leaf production over flowers.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Basil is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and comes in over 60 cultivars with flavors ranging from anise-like to clove-like, with colors from green to deep purple.
- 🌱 Cilantro is botanically the same plant as coriander—the leaves are called cilantro, and the dried seeds are called coriander; some people have a genetic variant that makes cilantro taste like soap due to aldehyde compound sensitivity.
- 🌱 In partial shade gardens, cilantro thrives better than basil overall because it bolts (flowers) slower when temperatures exceed 75°F and afternoon shade cools afternoon heat.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Herb Collection - Basil & Cilantro planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Herb Collection - Basil & Cilantro seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Herb Collection - Basil & Cilantro timeline →