The information on this page applies to seedlings sold by LEAF Nursery during our 2021 Seedling Sale.
Tagetes lucida. Mexican tarragon is a type of marigold that produces delicious leaves with notes of anise. It can be used as a substitute for French tarragon, and it is easier to grow in heat and humidity, while being fairly drought tolerant. The leaves have a stronger flavor so less is needed to flavor a dish. Excellent container herb that can be grown indoors during the winter. Also called Mexican Mint and Spanish, Texas, or Winter tarragon.[1]
Seed Type
| Organic | Heirloom | Non-GMO | Hybrid | Open-pollinated | Untreated |
Additional Information
| Container Friendly | Trellis Needed | Easy to Grow | Pollinator Friendly |
Planting Season
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Growing Conditions
| Light | Temperature | Soil | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sun | USDA Hardiness zones 8-11 | Loose | Water sparingly; avoid wetting foliage; drought tolerant |
Planting Tips
| Plant Spacing | Plant Size | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| 12" | 24" tall, 12"–15" wide |
- Additional instructions:
- Harvesting instructions: If harvesting small amounts or for seasoning, harvest leaves before the blooms appear on plants. For larger amounts, cut 3"–4" pieces from branch tips. Do not harvest more than ⅓ of the plant at a time if you want it to continue producing. Entire stems may be harvested and hung upside down to dry for later use. If the stems are harvested with the flowers are intact, they may be used in dried floral arrangements.[1[
Common Diseases and Pests
- typically not a concern
Useful Resources
- https://www.botanicalinterests.com/product/Mexican-Tarragon-Seeds (seed source)
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/mexican-tarragon/mexican-tarragon-herb-plants.htm
If you bought this seedling and have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comment section below.