Botanical profile

Pipicha

Latin name
Porophyllum linaria
Common name
Pipicha
Type
Edible annual
Family
Asteraceae

Pipicha is an annual aromatic plant highly valued in Mexican cuisine for its fine, fragrant, and very distinctive foliage. Its flavor is potent, with notes of cilantro, citrus, anise, and wild herbs, making it an ideal plant for salsas, tacos, soups, beans, green sauces, corn dishes, fish, grilled meats, and traditional recipes. Its light habit and delicate foliage integrate it very well into vegetable gardens, herb containers, and sunny edible gardens.

Easy to grow during the warm season, pipicha prefers a full sun location in light, fertile, and well-drained soil. It tolerates heat well and performs particularly well when temperatures are high, making it an excellent alternative or complement to classic cilantro, which often bolts quickly in hot weather. Regular harvesting of young shoots keeps the plant denser, more productive, and ensures tender foliage with an intense aroma.

Both original, flavorful, and highly sought after by authentic cuisine enthusiasts, pipicha is perfect for enriching a gourmet garden with a less common herb. Its strong taste requires moderate use, but it adds a unique aromatic depth to fresh and spicy dishes. It is an excellent plant for gardeners who wish to grow Mexican herbs, diversify their harvests, and add an exotic touch to the vegetable patch or patio containers.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Intensely aromatic foliage with a citrus, coriander, and anise flavor
Vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, container, Mexican cuisine, edible garden
Container growing
Container culture excellent in a well-drained pot
Seasonal care
Harvest young leaves as needed; pinch back stems to encourage bushiness; protect from cold
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Non-hardy – grown as an annual in Quebec (zones 10+ only as a perennial)
Exposure
Full sun
Watering
Regular
Humidity
Low to moderate humidity; prefers well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light compost for sowing; moderate fertilization in pots
Soil type
Light, fertile, warm and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
Minimum temperature
32 °F
Propagation method
Direct drilling
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer to Fall
Flower color
White to pale purple
Fruiting
Seeds at the end of the season
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Upright, branched, and airy habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
18 to 36 inches (45 to 90 cm)
Width
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Tomatoes, chili peppers, cilantro, corn
Plants to avoid
Avoid with plants sensitive to strong aromas
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
June to September
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.