What Herbs to Plant with Basil: Best Companions

By Emma Johnson · January 24, 2026

Best Herbs to Plant with Basil

The best herbs to plant with basil include parsley, cilantro, chives, oregano, and thyme. These companions enhance growth, deter pests, and improve flavor when grown together in containers or garden beds.

Why Companion Planting Matters for Basil

Companion planting boosts basil's health by improving soil conditions, repelling pests, and maximizing space. Basil thrives when paired with herbs that share similar sunlight and moisture needs—typically 6–8 hours of sun and well-drained soil.

Benefits of Pairing Basil with Other Herbs

Enhanced pest resistance through natural aromatics
Improved pollination and biodiversity
Optimized use of garden space
Better flavor development in neighboring plants
Reduced need for chemical pesticides

Top Herbs That Grow Well with Basil

Certain herbs naturally complement basil due to shared growing conditions and mutual benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective pairings.

Parsley

Parsley shares basil’s preference for moist, fertile soil and partial shade in hot climates. It acts as a ground cover, reducing evaporation and weed competition.

Cilantro (Coriander)

Cilantro repels aphids and spider mites—common pests of basil. While cilantro prefers slightly cooler temps, it can be succession-planted alongside basil in early summer.

Chives

Chives deter Japanese beetles and aphids with their strong scent. Their shallow roots don’t compete heavily with basil, making them ideal neighbors.

Oregano

A low-growing herb, oregano serves as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs.

Thyme

Thyme improves air circulation around basil when planted at the edges of containers. Its tiny flowers attract pollinators while deterring whiteflies.

Herbs to Avoid Planting Near Basil

Not all herbs are compatible with basil. Some have conflicting water needs or release compounds that hinder growth.

Rue: Inhibits basil growth due to allelopathic chemicals
Sage: Prefers drier soil; excess moisture from basil watering can cause root rot
Mint: Highly invasive and competes aggressively for nutrients

Companion Herb Comparison Table

Herb	Sunlight (hrs/day)	Water Needs	pH Range	Companion Benefit	Potential Risk
Basil	6–8	High	6.0–7.5	N/A	Susceptible to fungal diseases if crowded
Parsley	6–8	High	6.0–7.0	Soil coverage, reduced evaporation	Slow germination may delay pairing
Cilantro	6–8	High	6.2–6.8	Pest repellent (aphids, mites)	Bolts quickly in heat
Chives	6–8	Moderate	6.0–7.0	Deters beetles and aphids	May spread if not contained
Oregano	6–8	Low–Moderate	6.0–8.0	Living mulch, attracts beneficials	Drought-tolerant; avoid overwatering
Thyme	6–8	Low	6.0–8.0	Pollinator attraction, airflow improvement	Can dry out soil faster

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table shows that parsley, cilantro, chives, oregano, and thyme align closely with basil’s sunlight and pH requirements. Water needs vary slightly—oregano and thyme prefer drier conditions—so slight microclimate adjustments may be needed in mixed plantings. Overall, these herbs offer measurable ecological benefits when strategically placed near basil.

Frequently Asked Questions About Basil Companion Herbs

Can I plant basil and mint together?

No, it's not recommended. Mint is highly invasive and spreads rapidly through underground runners, which can overcrowd basil. Additionally, mint prefers consistently moist soil but is more cold-tolerant, creating mismatched growing conditions.

Does rosemary grow well with basil?

Rosemary does not make an ideal companion for basil. While both enjoy full sun, rosemary thrives in dry, sandy soil, whereas basil requires frequent watering. Overwatering can lead to rosemary root rot, so it's best to grow them separately.

What vegetables benefit from being planted near basil?

Basil enhances tomato growth and flavor while repelling thrips, whiteflies, and hornworms. It also benefits peppers and eggplants by deterring pests and attracting pollinators. Avoid planting basil near cucumbers, as some studies suggest basil may inhibit their growth.

How far apart should I plant basil and its companions?

Space basil 12–18 inches apart from other herbs to ensure good airflow and reduce disease risk. For container gardening, use pots of at least 12 inches in diameter per herb to prevent root competition.

Can I grow basil and cilantro in the same pot?

Yes, but only temporarily. Both herbs require similar light and moisture levels, making short-term co-planting feasible. However, cilantro bolts quickly in warm weather, while basil continues into summer. Plan to replace cilantro as it finishes its lifecycle.