Are you tired of cilantro wilting in the summer heat? Or are you looking for a unique herb to spice up your garden and meals? If so, papalo herb might be the answer! In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to grow papalo—from seeds to harvest. This heat-tolerant, aromatic herb is a staple in Mexican cuisine and a perfect addition to your herb garden.
What is Papalo Herb?
Papalo, also known as Porophyllum ruderale, is a lesser-known yet fascinating herb native to Central and South America. It’s a heat-loving herb sometimes referred to as “summer cilantro” or “Bolivian coriander” because of its bold, aromatic flavor, a robust flavor that’s a cross between cilantro and arugula, with a hint of citrus.
Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of its vibrant flavor—just harvest the younger leaves! They’re much milder and perfect for dishes like fish or subtly flavored meats. Papalo also shines in Mexican salsas, where its citrusy, peppery punch adds depth.
If you’re a cilantro lover—or even if you’re cilantro-curious—papalo is worth a spot in your herb garden. It’s an easy-to-grow annual that thrives in warm weather and will add both flavor and history to your meals. Bonus points for being pollinator-friendly and downright beautiful!
Key Features of Papalo
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Heat Tolerance: Thrives in hot weather, making it ideal for USDA Zones 9-11.
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Distinct Flavor: Adds a unique twist to tacos, salsas, and more.
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Low Maintenance: Requires little water or care once established.
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Fast Growth: Can be harvested in just 60-90 days after planting.
Fun Fact
The name “papalo” comes from the Nahuatl word for butterfly, and “papaloquelite” means “butterfly leaf.” This herb not only delights human taste buds but also attracts butterflies, bees, and other helpful pollinators. Its flowers provide nectar, making it a fantastic plant for a wildlife-friendly garden.
Papalo’s seeds are nature’s little travelers. They resemble dandelion seeds with their stalks and tiny umbrellas, floating off on the wind to germinate in new spots—a whimsical addition to any garden.
Papalo isn’t just tasty; it comes with a story. Historically, the Quechua people and many other cultures have used papalo medicinally, believing it could lower blood pressure, aid digestion, and reduce swelling. While modern research hasn’t confirmed all these benefits, its medicinal use dates back to the Aztec era. That’s some serious herbal heritage! ([1])
Papalo is a fantastic herb with bold flavors and amazing versatility. Want to know why it deserves a spot in your garden? Check out 5 Reasons to Grow Papalo at Home.
Planting Papalo
Choosing the Right Spot
Papalo loves soaking up the sun—no surprise given its Mexican roots! This heat-loving herb thrives in full sun, so pick a sunny location in your garden or a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
If you’re planting in a container, make sure it’s placed in a sun-drenched area.
If you have a spot that gets a little partial shade, that’s okay too, but the more warmth and light it gets, the happier and healthier it will be.
If you live in a cooler USDA Zone, consider planting it in a container so you can move it indoors when temperatures drop.
Soil? Papalo Isn’t Picky!
One of the best things about growing papalo is that it doesn’t fuss over soil. As long as the soil is well-draining—so no puddles hanging around after a summer downpour—it’s happy. It even thrives in poor soils, making it a great low-maintenance addition to your garden.
For pH, papalo is super flexible, tolerating a range from 5.8 to 8.5. Whether you’re planting it in a garden bed or a container, just make sure the soil drains well, and the plant will take care of the rest. Once it’s settled, papalo tends to grow like a champ. Perfect for gardeners who like things simple!
Prepare well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Mix in some compost or organic matter for better fertility, but avoid overly rich soil as it can dilute the flavor of the leaves.
How to Plant Papalo Plants
Got a papalo plant ready to go? Great choice—it’s easy to transplant and eager to grow in the right conditions! Papalo thrives when you plant it directly in the garden after the last frost has passed. Here’s how to give your new herb the best start.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. Gently remove the plant from its container, being careful not to disturb the roots too much.
Place it in the hole so that the base of the stem is level with the ground, then backfill with soil and pat it down gently.
If planting more than one, give your papalo plants about 12-18 inches of breathing room to grow. Water the plant thoroughly after planting to help it settle in, but avoid soaking the soil.
How to Grow Papalo from Seeds
Growing papalo from seeds is a breeze, and watching this vibrant herb sprout up is super rewarding. Here’s how to do it:
1. Soak the Seeds
Soak your Papalo seeds in warm water overnight to give them a head start. This softens the seed coat and encourages quicker germination.
2. Prep the Soil
For containers, go with a well-draining potting mix. If you’re planting in garden beds, sandy or loose soil works best. Papalo thrives in soil that drains well and doesn’t hold onto water.
3. Plant the Seeds
Sow the seeds about ½ inch deep. You can plant them in neat rows if you like structure, or scatter them over a wide area for a more natural look.
4. Water Gently
Keep the soil lightly moist, but avoid overwatering—it doesn’t like soggy conditions. Germination usually happens in 7-14 days, so be patient and watch for those tiny sprouts!
5. Thin the Seedlings
When the seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin them out so each plant has enough room to grow. Aim for about 12-18 inches of spacing between plants to keep them happy and healthy.
Caring for Your Papalo Plant
Once your papalo is growing, caring for it is simple—it’s a tough little herb that thrives with minimal fuss! Here’s how to keep it thriving:
Watering
Papalo may be drought-tolerant, but it still appreciates a good drink now and then. Water deeply about once a week, making sure the soil dries out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can make it unhappy, so err on the side of less water if you’re unsure.
Fertilizing
Go easy on the fertilizer! Too much can lead to lots of leafy growth but a less intense flavor—that’s not what we want! If you feel your plant needs a boost, use a balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, but keep it light.
Pruning and Pinching
To keep your papalo bushy and prevent it from bolting (sending up flowers too soon), pinch off the growing tips regularly. This will encourage it to spread out and grow more flavorful leaves. Plus, frequent harvesting naturally promotes new growth—so don’t be shy about snipping those leaves for your next recipe!
Winter Care
In cooler climates, papalo doesn’t survive frosty weather outdoors. Grow it as an annual or bring potted plants inside before the first frost. Place it in a sunny window and cut back on watering during the winter months to mimic its natural dormancy.
Container Tips
If your papalo is in a pot, make sure the container is at least 12 inches deep with excellent drainage. A quality potting mix works wonders, and a sunny patio is the perfect home during the growing season. Just don’t forget to water and pinch regularly!
Harvesting and Storing Papalo
When to Harvest
You can start harvesting papalo leaves when the plant reaches 12 inches in height. For the best flavor, pick leaves in the morning after the dew has dried.
How to Harvest
Use scissors to snip individual leaves or cut entire stems. Be sure to leave at least one-third of the plant intact to ensure continuous growth.
Storing Papalo
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Fresh: Store fresh leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Dried: Hang stems upside down in a cool, dry place until the leaves are completely dry. Crush the leaves and store them in an airtight jar for later use.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Pests
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Aphids: Spray plants with a mixture of water and mild soap to deter these tiny insects.
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Leafhoppers: Use row covers or insecticidal soap.
Diseases
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Powdery Mildew: Ensure proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
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Root Rot: Plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Bolting
Papalo may bolt (flower and set seeds) in extreme heat or if left unpruned. Regularly harvesting leaves can help delay this process.
FAQs About Growing Papalo
1. Can I grow papalo indoors? Yes! Use a sunny windowsill or grow lights to provide sufficient light for healthy growth.
2. How long does papalo take to grow? Papalo matures in 60-90 days, but you can start harvesting leaves as early as 4-6 weeks.
3. What does papalo taste like? Its flavor is bold and a mix of cilantro, arugula, and lime. It’s not for everyone but is a must-try for adventurous palates.
4. Can papalo grow in poor soil? Yes, papalo is highly adaptable and can thrive in sandy or rocky soils as long as they drain well.
Final Thoughts
Papalo is a fantastic addition to any garden, especially if you’re looking for a unique, heat-tolerant herb that adds bold flavor to your dishes. With its low maintenance needs and adaptability, growing papalo is a rewarding experience. So why not give it a try? Plant some papalo today and enjoy the taste of Mexico right in your backyard!
References
- Epic Gardening. “Papalo Herb: A Cilantro Alternative for Hot Weather.” Accessed December 19, 2024. https://www.epicgardening.com/papalo-herb/.
