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Companion plants for basil

We found 1 sourced companion and 0 pairings to use with caution. Each one links to its source and shows how strong the evidence is.

Growing basil

Ocimum basilicum

Sun
6–8 hours of bright light
Water
Regular moisture; avoid waterlogging
Soil
Well-drained fertile soil, pH 6.0–7.5
Spacing
Allow mature cultivar width and airflow
Growing guide source

Good companions for basil

  • Tomato

    Extension guidance

    Basil may help mask tomato host cues from thrips.

    Penn State describes basil interplanting as host-cue masking. This does not establish improved tomato flavor, yield, or protection against all pests. Both favor sunny, well-drained sites.

    Spacing: Retain mature tomato and basil spacing; no universal pair-specific distance is established.

    Pests: Potential thrips mechanism, not a substitute for monitoring or integrated pest management.

    Penn State Extension · Herbs as plant partners

Use caution

No sourced conflicts recorded.

Other crops

Check pairings in your own beds

Smart Garden Planner flags companions and conflicts as you add basil and other plants to a garden bed.

Start freeSee planting dates

Reference version 2026-11-03. Educational information; local conditions vary — check your local extension office.