Cilantro Planting Companions: How to Grow the Best Cilantro!

Oleh Anonymous October 10, 2022 Post a Comment

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Cilantro is a popular herb used in many cuisines around the world. It adds a fresh and zesty flavor to dishes and is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Growing cilantro in your garden is easy, but it's important to know which plants make good companions for cilantro. In this article, we'll explore the best cilantro planting companions and how to grow the best cilantro possible.

Cilantro Planting Companions

When it comes to planting cilantro, some plants make better companions than others. Here are some of the best:

Parsley

Parsley is a great companion plant for cilantro because it has similar growing conditions and helps to repel pests. Both plants prefer cool temperatures and moist soil, so they grow well together. Plus, parsley has a strong scent that repels insects like aphids and spider mites, which can damage cilantro.

Chives

Chives are another good companion plant for cilantro. They have a similar growth habit and also help to repel pests. Chives produce a natural fungicide that protects against fungal diseases, which can be a problem for cilantro.

Basil

Basil is a popular herb that makes a great companion for cilantro. It grows well in the same conditions as cilantro and helps to repel pests like mosquitoes and flies. Plus, basil has a strong flavor that complements cilantro in many recipes.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a good companion plant for cilantro because they help to repel pests and improve soil quality. Tomatoes produce solanine, a natural insecticide that repels pests like aphids and spider mites. They also add nutrients to the soil, which can benefit cilantro.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a good companion plant for cilantro because it has similar growing conditions and helps to shade the soil. Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and moist soil, which lettuce provides. Plus, lettuce has shallow roots that don't compete with cilantro for nutrients.

How to Grow the Best Cilantro

Now that you know the best cilantro planting companions, let's talk about how to grow the best cilantro possible.

Planting

Cilantro is an annual herb that prefers cool temperatures and moist soil. It grows best in full sun or partial shade. To plant cilantro, sow seeds directly into the soil about 1/4 inch deep. Space the seeds about 6 inches apart. Cilantro will germinate within 7-10 days.

Watering

Cilantro needs regular watering to grow well. Water your cilantro plants deeply once a week or more often if the soil is dry. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing

Cilantro doesn't need much fertilizer, but it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer.

Pest Control

Cilantro is susceptible to pests like aphids and spider mites. To control these pests, use companion plants like parsley, chives, and tomatoes. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.

Harvesting

Cilantro is ready to harvest when the leaves are about 2-3 inches long. To harvest, simply snip off the leaves with scissors. Be sure to leave at least one-third of the plant intact so it can continue to grow.

FAQs

Q1: Can cilantro be grown indoors?

A: Yes, cilantro can be grown indoors in a sunny window or under grow lights.

Q2: How often should cilantro be fertilized?

A: Cilantro doesn't need much fertilizer, but it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.

Q3: How do I prevent cilantro from bolting?

A: Cilantro tends to bolt in hot weather. To prevent bolting, plant cilantro in partial shade and keep the soil moist.

Q4: Can cilantro be frozen?

A: Yes, cilantro can be frozen for later use. Simply chop the leaves and freeze them in an airtight container.

Q5: How do I dry cilantro?

A: To dry cilantro, hang the plants upside down in a cool, dry place until the leaves are crispy. Then, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container.

Growing cilantro is easy when you know which plants make good companions and how to care for your cilantro plants. By planting parsley, chives, basil, tomatoes, and lettuce alongside your cilantro, you can help to repel pests and improve soil quality. Remember to water and fertilize your cilantro plants regularly, control pests, and harvest your cilantro when the leaves are about 2-3 inches long. With these tips, you can grow the best cilantro possible!