TARRAGON MEXICAN or MEXICAN MINT MARIGOLD Tagetes lucida

Characteristics • Type: Perennial Herb • Sun: Full sun • Height: 12 to 24 inches • Water: Low Maintenance: Low • Spread: 18 inches • Flower: Showy, Fragrant • • Bloom Time: June to frost Leaf: Fragrant • Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds • Easy to grow • Tolerate: Deer, Clay Soil • Bloom Description: Bright yellow Culture

Though it's not the true Tarragon, this delicious and attractive herb smells and tastes just as good (if not a bit better!) and holds up well in warmer climates. The leaves are scented and flavored with a tarragon-like anise taste that is actually a bit stronger than French Tarragon, which melts out quickly in the heat. A member of the Marigold family, Mexican Tarragon is a small shrub that blooms lightly in late spring, then heavily in early fall, with super-bright yellow ½-inch blooms. Where it's happ.y, it reseeds freely. Once established, it tolerates drought nicely, and heat and humidity are never problems. To harvest the foliage for seasoning and spice, cut it BEFORE the blooms appear.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Tagetes lucida is a perennial plant native to Mexico and Central America. It is used as a medicinal plant and as a culinary herb. It has entered the nursery trade in North America as a tarragon substitute. A pleasant anise-flavored tea is brewed using the dried leaves and flower heads. A yellow dye can be obtained from the flowers. Common names include sweet-scented marigold, Mexican marigold, Mexican mint marigold, Mexican tarragon, sweet mace, Texas tarragon, pericón, yerbaniz, and hierbanís.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Beds, Border, Containers, Cuisine, Cut Flowers, Foliage Interest. A great choice for herb gardens, vegetable gardens, or annual beds. A yellow dye can be obtained from the flowers. The dried plant is burnt as an incense and to repel insects. Beds, Border, Containers, Cuisine, Cut Flowers, Foliage Interest.