Distinctive Aromatic Leaves
Produces flavorful green leaves with a strong, distinctive aroma and a unique taste used in traditional cuisines.
Estimated Delivery:Nov 21 - Nov 25
Free Shipping on All Orders
Porophyllum Ruderale, commonly known as Papalo, Bolivian Coriander, or Papaloquelite, is an aromatic warm-season herb valued for its distinctive flavor and flavorful green foliage. Native to the Americas, this herb produces upright, branching growth with oval leaves containing aromatic oil glands. Its bold, cilantro-like flavor makes it a popular culinary ingredient in Mexican and South American cooking. Fresh Papalo leaves are commonly added to tacos, salsas, salads, sandwiches, and traditional dishes. It is suitable for home herb gardens, raised beds, and containers in warm, sunny growing conditions.
Produces flavorful green leaves with a strong, distinctive aroma and a unique taste used in traditional cuisines.
Thrives in warm temperatures and sunny locations, making it suitable for warm-season herb gardens.
Fresh leaves are commonly used in Mexican tacos, salsas, sandwiches, salads, and other savory recipes.
Can be cultivated in outdoor garden beds, raised beds, and containers with suitable sunlight and drainage.
| Scientific Name | Porophyllum ruderale |
| Common Name | Papalo, Papaloquelite, Bolivian Coriander |
| Plant Family | Asteraceae |
| Seed Type | Herb Seeds |
| Growth Habit | Upright, branching herb |
| Plant Type | Warm-season annual; may behave as a short-lived perennial in suitable climates |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Generally suitable for Zones 10–11 as a perennial; grown as an annual in cooler regions |
| Planting Season | Spring to early summer after the last frost |
| Seed Starting | Direct sow outdoors or start indoors in a warm environment |
| Germination Time | Approximately 7–21 days under suitable conditions |
| Germination Temperature | Approximately 70–85°F |
| Sunlight | Full sun; partial shade can be suitable in hot climates |
| Soil Requirements | Well-drained, moderately fertile soil |
| Watering | Moderate watering; maintain suitable moisture without waterlogging |
| Mature Plant Size | Approximately 1–5 feet tall, depending on growing conditions |
| Plant Spacing | Approximately 12–18 inches apart |
| Primary Use | Culinary herb, fresh seasoning, and home herb gardens |
Bring a distinctive culinary herb into your garden with Porophyllum Ruderale Papalo. Known for its aromatic foliage and bold flavor, Papalo is a traditional ingredient in Mexican and South American cooking. Grow it in sunny garden spaces or suitable containers and enjoy fresh leaves for tacos, salsas, salads, and homemade recipes. Provide warm temperatures, well-drained soil, and appropriate watering for healthy plant growth.
Discover helpful answers about growing Papalo from seeds, its culinary flavor, and its use as a cilantro alternative.
Papalo is generally grown from seeds during warm weather. Sow seeds in well-drained soil, following the recommended sowing depth for your seed supplier. Keep the growing medium consistently moist during germination and provide temperatures around 70–85°F. Once seedlings develop, grow them in a sunny location with suitable spacing and moderate watering. Avoid planting outdoors before the last frost.
Papalo has a strong, aromatic flavor often compared to cilantro, with distinctive pungent and citrus-like notes. Its fresh leaves are traditionally used in Mexican dishes, particularly tacos, cemitas, salsas, guacamole, salads, and sandwiches. Because its flavor is pronounced, start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste.
Yes, Papalo is a useful alternative for gardeners looking for a warm-season herb with a distinctive cilantro-like culinary role. Unlike cilantro, which generally prefers cooler growing conditions, Papalo thrives in warm weather and can continue producing aromatic foliage during the summer. However, Papalo has a stronger and different flavor, so it is not an exact replacement for cilantro in every recipe.