Cilantro/Coriander vs Kale

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Cilantro/Coriander

Coriandrum sativum

Apiaceae · herbs

EdibleLow Maintenance

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Brassicaceae · vegetables

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Cilantro/Coriander (Zones 2-11)

Kale (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 2–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Cilantro/Coriander	Kale
Scientific Name	Coriandrum sativum	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Apiaceae	Brassicaceae
Category	herbs	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	2'	2'
Spread	8"	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring-Summer	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	White, Pink	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Mediterranean, Western Asia	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Cilantro/Coriander

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Kale

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Cilantro/Coriander

✓Succession sow every 2-3 weeks — bolts quickly in heat.
✓Prefers cool weather.
✓Let some plants flower for coriander seeds.
✓Self-seeds readily.
✓'Slow-bolt' varieties extend harvest.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Cilantro/Coriander if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 2–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun to part shade), making them potential garden companions.

View Cilantro/CorianderProfile →View KaleProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cilantro/Coriander and Kale grow in the same hardiness zone?

Cilantro/Coriander grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Kale grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 2 through 11.

Do Cilantro/Coriander and Kale have the same sun and water needs?

Cilantro/Coriander needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Cilantro/Coriander or Kale?

Both Cilantro/Coriander and Kale reach approximately 2' in height, with spreads of 8" and 1' 6" respectively.

Are Cilantro/Coriander and Kale deer resistant?

Kale is deer resistant, but Cilantro/Coriander is not. If deer are a concern, Kale is the better choice, or protect Cilantro/Coriander with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Cilantro/Coriander or Kale?

Both Cilantro/Coriander and Kale have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Cilantro/Coriander	Kale
Scientific Name	Coriandrum sativum	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Apiaceae	Brassicaceae
Category	herbs	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	2'	2'
Spread	8"	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring-Summer	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	White, Pink	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Mediterranean, Western Asia	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Cilantro/Coriander

✓Succession sow every 2-3 weeks — bolts quickly in heat.
✓Prefers cool weather.
✓Let some plants flower for coriander seeds.
✓Self-seeds readily.
✓'Slow-bolt' varieties extend harvest.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Cilantro/Coriander if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 2–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun to part shade), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cilantro/Coriander and Kale grow in the same hardiness zone?

Cilantro/Coriander grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Kale grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 2 through 11.

Do Cilantro/Coriander and Kale have the same sun and water needs?

Cilantro/Coriander needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Cilantro/Coriander or Kale?

Both Cilantro/Coriander and Kale reach approximately 2' in height, with spreads of 8" and 1' 6" respectively.

Are Cilantro/Coriander and Kale deer resistant?

Kale is deer resistant, but Cilantro/Coriander is not. If deer are a concern, Kale is the better choice, or protect Cilantro/Coriander with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Cilantro/Coriander or Kale?

Both Cilantro/Coriander and Kale have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.