← Plant Guides

How to Grow Underplanted Herbs (Basil & Cilantro)

Underplanted Herbs (Basil & Cilantro)

Ocimum basilicum & Coriandrum sativum

herb

Basil and cilantro are fast-growing, aromatic herbs commonly underplanted beneath taller crops to maximize garden space and provide natural pest control. Both are warm-season annuals that thrive in similar conditions and can be succession planted for continuous harvests throughout the growing season.

Looking for a specific variety?

Sweet Basil Thai Basil Purple Basil Lemon Basil Genovese Cilantro Calypso Delfino

When should you plant Underplanted Herbs (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.

Get my Underplanted Herbs (Basil & Cilantro) timeline →

Example Underplanted Herbs (Basil & Cilantro) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Underplanted Herbs (Basil & Cilantro)

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Underplanted Herbs (Basil & Cilantro)

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Underplanted Herbs (Basil & Cilantro) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (basil prefers 8+ hours; cilantro tolerates partial shade in hot climates)
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to avoid wetting foliage. Basil needs more water; cilantro prefers slightly drier conditions. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly depending on weather.
📏
Spacing: 6-12 inches apart (basil 8-12"; cilantro 6-8") inches
📅
Days to maturity: Basil 60-80 days; cilantro 50-70 days
🌱
Planting depth: Seeds 0.25 inches deep; transplants at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
compost aged manure perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 3-10; treat as warm-season annuals; basil thrives in 6-9, cilantro prefers cooler 3-7

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

Sign up free to see if Underplanted Herbs (Basil & Cilantro) grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.

Get my Underplanted Herbs (Basil & Cilantro) timeline →

Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny cotyledons emerge within 7-10 days. First true leaves appear shortly after. Plants are delicate and vulnerable.

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bottom heat (70-75°F) for faster germination. Protect from direct wind and harsh sun initially.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Rapid leaf production; plants develop bushy form. Basil grows faster than cilantro. Multiple sets of true leaves emerge weekly.

Pinch off flower buds to encourage bushy growth. Begin light harvesting of outer leaves. Ensure consistent moisture and good air circulation.

3

Peak Production

4-6 weeks

Plants reach full size with abundant harvestable foliage. Leaves are flavorful and tender. Bushy, full canopy.

Harvest regularly (2-3 times weekly) to maintain productivity. Remove flower buds as they form. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

4

Flowering/Bolting

2-3 weeks (variable with temperature)

Flower buds appear at stem tips (basil: white/purple flowers; cilantro: tiny white flowers). Plant energy shifts to seed production.

Pinch off flower buds immediately to extend leaf production. If allowing to flower, ensure pollinator access. Cilantro bolts quickly in heat.

5

Decline/End of Season

Variable; end of season

Leaves become fewer, smaller, and less flavorful. Plant weakens. Basil dies with first frost; cilantro tolerates light frost.

Succession plant new crops every 3 weeks for continuous supply. Harvest remaining leaves for preservation. Allow final plant to flower for seed collection if desired.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

tomato pepper eggplant lettuce spinach carrot bean pea beet cucumber zucchini

Avoid planting near:

fennel dill mint (too aggressive)

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick in early morning; use row covers; apply neem oil or spinosad; introduce parasitic wasps

  • Spray with strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; release ladybugs; plant companion flowers like alyssum

  • Increase humidity; spray with water; apply neem oil; use predatory mites; ensure good air circulation

  • Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps; improve air flow

  • Use row covers on young plants; apply spinosad or neem oil; plant in shade of taller crops; attract beneficial insects

  • Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide; remove affected leaves

Uses

🍳

Fresh Herb Flavoring

Culinary

Basil is essential for pesto, Italian dishes, and Thai cuisine, while cilantro is central to Mexican, Indian, and Asian cooking. Both add bright, fresh flavors to salads, soups, sauces, and beverages. [source]

💊

Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Support

Medicinal

Both herbs contain compounds with traditional uses for improving digestion and reducing inflammation. Basil is rich in eugenol and has antioxidant properties; cilantro has been studied for metal-binding and antimicrobial effects. [source]

🏠

Pest Repellent & Natural Insecticide

Household

When underplanted near vegetables, basil repels flies, mosquitoes, and certain insects through volatile oils, while cilantro attracts beneficial predatory insects that control garden pests. [source]

🦋

Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

When allowed to flower, both herbs provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. The flowers also attract parasitic wasps that prey on garden pests. [source]

🎨

Drying & Preservation

Craft

Both herbs dry well for winter use. Basil can be dried whole or made into oils and vinegars; cilantro seeds (coriander) are harvested and used whole as a spice. [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 when plants are 6-8 inches tall. Pinch off top 1-2 inches of stems regularly to encourage bushiness. For basil: harvest individual leaves from top downward, or cut entire stems above leaf nodes. Cilantro: harvest outer leaves first, can cut entire plant 1 inch from soil and it will resprout (2-3 cuts possible). Harvest in early morning for best flavor. Never remove more than 1/3 of plant at once. Use immediately for best flavor, or dry/freeze for preservation.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Basil's name comes from the Greek word 'basileus' meaning 'king,' earning it the title 'King of Herbs' in Mediterranean cooking.
  • 🌱 Cilantro is polarizing due to the OR6A2 gene: some people perceive an almond/citrus flavor while others taste soap-like due to a genetic variation in smell receptors.
  • 🌱 Underplanting basil and cilantro under taller crops like tomatoes provides 'living mulch' that conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and maximizes garden yields in limited space.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Bolt Full Sun Germination Partial Shade True Leaves
Shop Underplanted Herbs (Basil & Cilantro) plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Underplanted Herbs (Basil & Cilantro) planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Underplanted Herbs (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 Underplanted Herbs (Basil & Cilantro) timeline →