1. Basil

Both basil (Ocimum basilicum) and pepper plants thrive in full sun and rich, well-draining soil, making them a suitable pair. Basil’s low-growing leaves act as groundcover that keeps heat and humidity close to the soil, creating a warm environment that supports bell pepper growth.

Basil’s strong scent can help repel common pepper pests, including aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and thrips.

Taller pepper plants can also provide shade that helps prevent basil leaves from scorching during intense summer heat. Plant basil 12 to 18 inches away from pepper plants to avoid competition for root space.

2. Chives

Plant chives (Allium schoenoprasum) between and around bell peppers to help deter aphids. Their strong scent can disguise the scent of pepper plants from pests.

Chives produce purple blossoms that attract pollinators, which are important for pollinating pepper flowers and improving harvests. Their dense clumps and shallow roots also mean they are less likely to compete with peppers for soil space.

3. Oregano

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) contains strong aromatic oils that can naturally repel aphids, spider mites, thrips, and beetles around pepper plants.

Its pinkish-purple or white flowers attract pollinators to pepper flowers, potentially improving harvests. Oregano can also spread as a natural groundcover, acting as living mulch that helps prevent moisture loss and suppress weeds.

4. Cilantro

Planting cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) near pepper plants can help deter aphids and spider mites because of its pungent aroma.

Pepper plants can provide shade for cilantro, helping it stay productive longer in warm weather. When cilantro blooms, its lacy flowers attract predatory insects that feed on pests that damage pepper plants.

Cilantro grows close to the ground and generally does not compete heavily for space.

5. Rosemary

Plant rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) about 1 foot away from pepper plants, either in the ground or in a container.

Rosemary’s fragrance can help confuse and deter pests from feeding on peppers. Its pale blue to white flowers also attract bees and butterflies, which help pollinate pepper flowers and can contribute to larger harvests.

6. Dill

Dill produces umbrella-shaped flowers that attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, which feed on common pepper pests including aphids and spider mites.

Its flowers also attract bees and other pollinators, which can improve pollination and pepper yields. Plant dill about 2 feet away from pepper plants so both plants have enough room to grow.

7. Parsley

Growing parsley (Petroselinum crispum) near pepper plants can help regulate soil moisture. Parsley grows close to the ground and can act as living mulch by shading the soil, suppressing weeds, and helping retain moisture.

Its greenish-yellow flowers attract pollinators and predatory insects that feed on pepper plant pests.

8. Borage

Planting borage (Borago officinalis) near pepper plants can help improve pollination. Its nectar-rich blue flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, potentially resulting in better pollination and larger bell pepper yields.

Give borage plenty of surrounding space so it does not crowd pepper plants. Its flowers are also edible and have a cucumber-like flavor.