I'm looking for some alternatives to cilantro, which has a very short life-cycle in our zone. I'm growing some papalo this year--has anyone had any experience with this herb? It's supposed to be more heat-tolerant than cilantro, which is what I'm looking for. But the flavor is supposed to be bolder, which I'm not sure everyone will like.

I think that I have seeds coming.
How did they germinate ?

"Mexican" Cilantro is a good substitute for Cilantro, bearing in mind that there is a single stem version of Cilantro (Calypso) which can be cut and comes back immediately. Only grows about 7" high. Not a version to go to seed. Have to be careful with some herbs. "Papalo" considered a blood-pressure-lowering drug in some countries? Let us know your taste results! Cheers!

I grew Papalo last summer. It was an interesting plant with unusual blooms and prolific seed production. It endured the heat and humidity well.

I was hoping for a summer substitute for Cilantro which I love. I didn't much care for the taste of Papalo and won't grow it again although I am expecting some volunteers from fly away seeds.

I did save seed and will share if anyone wants to try some. I will be interested to hear how others feel about this herb.

Thanks for that information, @Pod.

Carolyn--it germinated fairly quickly, although I did have it on a heat mat as I read it germinated best if conditions were warmer. It seems to be growing fairly rapidly but for now still indoors under lights.

Papalo seeds germinated in 4 days under lights.
Pipicha also in 4 days.
But NOT the Culantro seeds.

pod said:I was hoping for a summer substitute for Cilantro which I love. I didn't much care for the taste of Papalo and won't grow it again although I am expecting some volunteers from fly away seeds.

Grew it a few years ago and didn't like the taste, either. (I thought it was a pretty plant though.)

I too grew some once and found the taste not to my liking.
I did find the smell interesting though

CarolineScott said:Papalo seeds germinated in 4 days under lights.
Pipicha also in 4 days.
But NOT the Culantro seeds.

@CarolineScott Did Pipicha grow well for you? Did you care for the taste? I am now seeing the seeds more commonly available.

I grew Pipichaa a couple of years ago and it was fine as to taste as I recall.
It is a pretty plant too. Small blue flowers on grey leaves.

Great! Thank you, I went ahead and ordered the seeds. I look forward to trying it.