12 Basil Companion Plants That’ll Help Boost Flavor And Keep Pests Away

• Botanical Name: Zinnia elegans
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Well-draining
• Soil pH: Acidic, neutral, alkaline

Basil and zinnias thrive in the same sunny, moist, well-draining environments, and they have mutually beneficial qualities. While basil’s pleasant fragrance is a natural repellent for pests, the zinnia’s colorful blooms will attract pollinators for the basil.

Plus, you can use both in your summer tablescapes. “Basil actually is quite fun in a flower arrangement, so sometimes I’ll mix that in my summer bouquets,” says Ashleigh Byrne, garden consultant.

• Botanical Name: Cosmos sulphureus, Cosmos bipinnatus 
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Well-draining
• Soil pH: Acidic

Cosmos add a pop of color to your herb garden, and they play well side-by-side with the similarly mannered basil (both love sun and moist, well-draining soil!). “Basil helps deter aphids with its strong scent, while cosmos attract pollinators to the garden,” explains Byrne.

Tomato

• Botanical Name:  Solanum lycopersicum
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Well-draining, loamy
• Soil pH: Neutral, acidic

Your summer tomatoes are practically begging for a sprig of basil, so why not plant them together? “Tomatoes are an obvious companion to basil, since they go hand in hand. I love to plant basil around the perimeter of my tomato bed,” says Byrne. She also reports that the basil seem to boost the tomato’s flavor.

Peppers

• Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Fertile, loamy
• Soil pH: Neutral

The strong scent of basil can deter pests like aphids and whiteflies, which make it the perfect companion plant for bell peppers, which often fall victim to these pests. Basil also traps heat and humidity close to the ground, creating the ideal environment for summer-loving peppers, while also boosting the pepper’s flavor both on the ground and on our plate.

Asparagus

• Botanical Name: Asparagus officinalis
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Sandy, loamy
• Soil pH: Neutral, acidic

There is a specific pest lurking in your garden, waiting to eat your asparagus. But, luckily, the asparagus beetle wants nothing to do with your basil thanks to its strong fragrance. And, when asparagus and basil are planted together, that means your asparagus is safe. Asparagus will also attract pollinators to your basil.

Oregano

• Botanical Name: Origanum spp.
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Well-draining
• Soil pH: Acidic, neutral

Oregano and basil are a Mediterranean match made in heaven. These two both love full sun, moist, well-draining soil, and they play beautifully in summer salads. The two will boost each other’s flavor, and the oregano spreads along the ground, trapping moisture in for the basil.

• Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispum
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Well-draining, loamy
• Soil pH: Acidic, neutral

Basil and parsley are two more herbs that will grow well together in the garden. “They have similar growing needs and attract pollinators,” adds Byrne. Plus, basil will repel the aphids that prey upon parsley, while also attracting hoverflies to eat any brave aphids that make it past the basil’s scent.

Marigolds

• Botanical Name: Tagetes spp.
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Well-draining, moist
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic, neutral

Marigolds can enrich the health of the soil by releasing organic matter which will turn into essential nutrients for basil. They’ll do this while also repelling nematodes, which can attack basil, causing its leaves to turn yellow.

Cilantro

• Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial sun
• Soil type: Well-draining, moist, loamy
• Soil pH: Acidic

If you have lots of sun and lots of time to water your herb garden, then basil and cilantro will happily coexist there. The two will also boost each other’s flavor, particularly as basil adds much-needed nitrogen into the soil for cilantro. Just make sure you plant them early in the season—your cilantro crop will start to decline once the dog days of summer set in.

Chives

• Botanical Name: Allium schoenoprasum
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil type: Loamy, sandy
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic, neutral

Chives are an aromatic plant, and their strong fragrance will add to the flavor of basil by helping it boost its essential oils. The two also thrive in full sun, so they’re friendly companions in a warm weather garden. Plus, they both add vibrant flavor to a summer salad!

Garlic

• Botanical Name: Allium sativum
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Well-draining, moist
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic, neutral

If your garden has ever fallen victim to a voracious squirrel digging up plants and munching on leaves, then garlic is the answer. Garlic thrives in the same conditions as basil, and it’ll keep away these larger pests. Additionally, the two will boost each other’s flavor, and the aromatic flavors of garlic will add to your basil’s richness.

Chamomile

• Botanical Name: Allium sativum
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Well-draining, moist
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic, neutral

Chamomile and basil both do well in sunny, well-draining, moist conditions, and chamomile’s perky white flowers will attract pollinators to help encourage a bumper crop of basil. Plus, the aromatic nature of chamomile will support basil’s essential oil production, leading to a more flavorful harvest.