Mexican Tarragon / Mexican Mint (Tagetes lucida) is a versatile heirloom herb known for its aromatic, anise-like flavor and vibrant golden-yellow flowers. Easy to grow, this herb thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions, making it a perfect choice for herb gardens, borders, and container planting. Often used as a substitute for French tarragon in cooking, Mexican Tarragon adds a mild licorice flavor to teas, sauces, and savory dishes. Its beautiful flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding both ornamental and ecological value to your garden. Mexican Tarragon is a perennial in warm climates and can be grown as an annual in cooler regions.
SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILED GROWING INFO
All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
- Heirloom
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Open Pollinated
- Untreated
- US Grown
- Growing instructions included
- Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
- NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in-house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
- All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled and reusable mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
- Most orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
- FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $35 or more. Flat Rate shipping no matter how many packets you order.
Common Names: Mexican Tarragon, Mexican Mint Marigold
Latin Name: Tagetes lucida
Type: Herb
Life Cycle: Perennial in warm climates, Annual in cooler regions
USDA Zones: 8 - 11 (Perennial), 5 - 7 (Annual)
Stratification: Not Required
Germination Ease: Easy
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
Height: 18-36 inches
Spread: 12-18 inches
Color: Golden-yellow flowers
Bloom Season: Late Summer to Fall
Companion Plants: Tomatoes, Peppers, Basil (Mexican Tarragon can deter harmful insects and attracts beneficial pollinators to the garden, benefiting these vegetable crops.)
Climate Adaptability: Thrives in hot, dry climates and is drought-tolerant once established
~ Sowing ~
When to Sow Outside:
Sow directly outdoors in spring after the last frost, or in fall in warm climates for blooms the following year.
When to Start Inside:
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost for earlier blooms. Transplant seedlings once the soil is warm.
Days to Emerge:
7-14 days
Seed Depth:
Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep.
Seed Spacing:
Space seeds 12-18 inches apart.
Hardiness:
Somewhat frost-tolerant but grows best in warm temperatures. Perennial in USDA Zones 8-11.
~ Growing ~
Soil:
Mexican Tarragon prefers well-drained, fertile soil but can tolerate poorer soils. Amending with organic matter will improve growth and blooms.
Watering:
Water regularly during early growth. Once established, Mexican Tarragon is drought-tolerant and prefers soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Light and Temperature:
Thrives in full sun and tolerates heat well. Best grown in warm climates but can be grown as an annual in cooler regions.
Maintenance:
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming. Cut back at the end of the growing season in cooler climates to help promote regrowth if perennial.
Container Friendly:
Mexican Tarragon is ideal for container growing as long as the pot has good drainage. Use a deep container to accommodate root development.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest:
Harvest leaves when the plant reaches about 12 inches in height. Flowers can be harvested when fully open for fresh or dried use.
How to Harvest:
Pinch or snip leaves and flowers off at the base of the stem using sharp scissors.
Drying and Storing:
Leaves and flowers can be air-dried for long-term storage. Store dried parts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Edible Use:
Mexican Tarragon is often used as a substitute for French tarragon in cooking, providing a mild anise-like flavor to teas, soups, sauces, and savory dishes.
~ Seed Saving ~
Seed Collection:
Allow seed heads to dry on the plant. Once dry, gently shake the plant to collect seeds.
Seed Cleaning:
Remove seeds from the dried flower heads and air-dry them fully before storing.
Seed Storage:
Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for 1-2 years if properly stored.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators:
Mexican Tarragon is highly attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
Origin:
Native to Mexico and Central America, Mexican Tarragon has been used for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
Nomenclature:
The name Tagetes is derived from a Roman deity, Tages, associated with wisdom and prophecy, while lucida refers to the plant’s glossy leaves.
History:
Mexican Tarragon was traditionally used by the Aztecs as both a medicinal herb and a ritual plant, believed to have magical properties.
Climate Adaptability:
Mexican Tarragon is well-suited for hot, dry climates but can also adapt to cooler conditions when grown as an annual.
