Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Most gardeners ask this question because cucumbers are heavy feeders and cilantro is fast to bolt, so it’s not obvious whether they’ll cooperate in the same space. The good news: they usually do, and the partnership can even strengthen your cucumber harvest when done right.
Why Planting Cilantro With Cucumbers Works
Here’s why this pairing makes sense in real gardens:
• Different growth habits: Cucumbers climb or sprawl; cilantro stays low and airy. They rarely fight for light. • Shades the soil: Cilantro’s soft canopy helps cool the soil around cucumber roots useful in summer heat. • Light pest masking: Cilantro’s scent isn’t a magic shield, but in my beds, it slightly reduced aphid buildup on cucumbers. • Moisture balance: Both enjoy steady moisture but not soggy soil, making them compatible in watering schedules.
What You’ll Actually Need
• Cucumber plants or seeds • Cilantro seeds (better than transplants they establish quickly) • Well‑draining potting mix or garden soil • Mulch (straw, leaf mold, or coco coir) • Trellis for cucumbers (ideally) • Watering can or drip line
Eco‑friendly options
• Organic compost for light feeding • Natural mulches rather than plastic film
How to Plant Cilantro With Cucumbers (Step-by-Step)
1. Choose the right spot
Pick a location with 6–8 hours of sunlight. Cilantro tolerates light shade, but cucumbers need strong sun.
2. Trellis your cucumbers early
Vertical cucumbers give cilantro better airflow and prevent it from being smothered. Set your trellis before planting.
3. Plant cucumbers first
Start cucumbers in warm soil (typically late spring). Once they have 2–3 true leaves, sow cilantro nearby.
This avoids cilantro maturing too fast while cucumbers are still small.
4. Sow cilantro on the north or east side
In practice, this prevents the growing cucumber vines from shading it out later in the season.
Spacing guide for small gardens: • Leave 6–8 inches between cilantro clumps and the cucumber base • Sow cilantro in little patches rather than a dense row
5. Keep soil consistently moist
Cucumbers hate drying out; cilantro bolts if it dries even briefly. Steady watering is the shared sweet spot.
Use visual cues: • Cucumber leaves drooping = soil already too dry • Cilantro leaves turning feathery = early sign of bolting
6. Mulch generously
Mulch helps keep both plants cool and moist. In my hot-summer garden, this step mattered more than anything else.
7. Re-sow cilantro every 3–4 weeks
Cilantro naturally bolts in heat. Re-seeding keeps a fresh supply throughout summer without interfering with cucumbers.
Pro Tips & Best Practices
• Avoid letting cilantro fully flower unless you want coriander seed; tall stalks can shade cukes too much. • Give cucumbers the feeding priority. Side‑dress with compost around the cucumber root zone, not cilantro. • Trim cilantro lightly to encourage bushier growth and better ground coverage. • In hot climates, give the cilantro a touch more shade by training cucumber vines slightly overhead. • In containers, use at least a 5–7 gallon pot per cucumber plant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Planting cilantro too early and letting it bolt before cucumbers take off • Overcrowding around the cucumber base • Watering inconsistently • Expecting cilantro to last all summer without re-sowing
FAQ
Is cilantro good for cucumbers? Yes. It provides light ground cover, a mild pest-deterring scent, and shares similar moisture needs.
Will cilantro compete with cucumbers for nutrients? Not significantly. Cucumbers are heavier feeders. Just compost around the cucumber stems once or twice.
Can I plant cilantro and cucumbers together in containers? Yes—just choose a deep, wide pot and trellis your cucumber so it doesn’t smother the cilantro.
Why does my cilantro bolt next to cucumbers? Cilantro bolts in heat, not because of the cucumber. Provide mulch and consistent moisture, and re‑seed regularly.
Can cucumbers shade cilantro too much? Only if vines are left to sprawl. A trellis solves this completely.
Can I still do this in partial shade? Yes, but cucumbers may yield less. Cilantro will actually appreciate the slightly cooler conditions.
When NOT to Plant Cilantro With Cucumbers
Avoid this pairing in:
• Cold, early spring soil (cilantro is fine but cucumbers won’t grow) • Extremely hot climates without mulch (cilantro bolts instantly) • Dense clay soil (neither plant thrives; improve drainage first) • Very small containers (less than 5 gallons)
Alternatives If This Pairing Doesn’t Suit Your Garden
If cilantro struggles, try one of these cucumber companions:
• Basil – good at masking scents, thrives in summer • Nasturtium – attracts pests away from cucumbers • Dill – helpful for pollinators (but keep it from falling onto vines) • Marigolds – reliable border plant, reduces soil pests
Cilantro is great for cool seasons, but basil and nasturtiums outperform it in midsummer heat.
Conclusion
So yes you can plant cilantro with cucumbers, and in small gardens this pairing is both space‑efficient and practical. With consistent moisture, a trellis, and occasional re-sowing of cilantro, the two plants grow comfortably together without competing.
Companion planting isn’t magic, but when you layer shade, airflow, and timing correctly, it supports healthier cucumber vines and gives you a steady source of fresh cilantro throughout the season.
Take it slow, experiment, and adjust based on your climate your plants will tell you what they need.