Papalo, Papaloquelite

I love the flavor - like a cilantro with a lemon twist - and the flavor effect it has on a pot of pintos!

Pros:
L...Read Moreow pest / disease incidence
Longer fresh availability than cilantro.
Easy to pull a few late season plants and hang inside for dry winter supply
High drought tolerance

Cons:
Grows too easily in both 8b and 9a; may see listed as invasive eventually
Seeds will sprout everywhere
Some people do not like the smell - which is strong when brushed in the garden

I like this plant, though the aroma can sort of become overwhelming. I can't really describe the taste or aroma - it's papalo (it does ha...Read Moreve some citrus notes - and perhaps floral ones too - and a sort of refreshing aroma?) I have to sort of rant THIS IS NOT EVEN CLOSELY RELATED TO CILANTRO. Every plant used as seasoning (in tropical climes) that is unfamiliar is compared to cilantro - and I'm just sick of it. I don't find any similarity in taste or look to cilantro in this plant. The ONLY similarity is it's use. Anyway its quite easy to grow - though the seeds are not that viable (or are variable in germination times) - but they transplant very easily.

I got few seeds to germinate, but maybe it needs higher temperatures and more time than I allowed (as an earlier note confirms). Tough, ...Read Moregrows fairly quickly, can get leggy and blow over. I prefer the taste and smell to those of cilantro (not fond of that). Seed is very much in the Compositae style, reminding me a bit of dandelion or marigold. Definitely a plant to grow regularly, at least for me.

Easy to grow in Sacramento Valley (CA). Luscious. Addicting. Just try a few times and you are hooked. Full son, not picky about water. Gr...Read Moreows to ~4’ here, flowers Sept/Oct. Germinates in June. Produces many seeds, which produce volunteers. Seed viability declines rapidly after a year or so. Brush the plant as you walk through the garden…brings smiles. My seed comes from my son, given to him by “Tall Man” when son was hitch-hiking to S. Baja. Favorite exotic herb. Thus, “Tall Man Papalo.”