Mexican Tarragon PLANT – Mexican Marigold – Untreated & Heirloom – Perennial – Tagetes lucida
Mexican Tarragon is a compact, aromatic herb with bright green leaves and small golden-yellow flowers, offering both ornamental and culinary value. Known for its sweet, anise-like flavor, it’s an excellent substitute for French tarragon in cooking, teas, and traditional remedies. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant is perfect for beginners and thrives in warm climates. Its vibrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting garden biodiversity, while its lush foliage adds beauty to gardens or pots.
Interesting facts about Mexican Tarragon: “In Mexican cultures, the entire plant has been used for stomach aches, nausea and colic. It has also been taken for colds and fevers. The plant, also known as pericón, was also an important medicine in ancient Mexico, named after the water goddess Ayauh. It was thought of as treating the illnesses of the gods. Today, the flower petals are used to make teas that treat the common cold, intestinal gas and diarrhea (2). As an herb used in cooking, it provides complimentary savory flavors to egg and meat dishes. (UIC, Heritage Garden)”
Growing Conditions:
- Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil; tolerates poor soils but benefits from organic matter.
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during dry spells.
- Climate: Grows well in warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions. In cooler southern areas, grow in pots and move indoors during winter.
- Frost Sensitivity: Protect from frost; ideal for frost-free regions.
- Maintenance: Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess.
Steps after receiving the plant:
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- Initial Care: Give the plant a good drink of water upon arrival and place it in a half-shade position, sheltered from strong winds.
- Acclimatization: Leave it in the original pot for a few days to recover from the journey before transplanting.
- Re-potting or Planting: Re-pot or plant into the ground when roots start to emerge from the drainage holes. Use well-draining soil for optimal growth.
- Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting. Afterward, water as needed, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
- Drainage: Avoid waterlogging by choosing a well-drained position. Slightly raised garden beds are ideal for healthy root development.
- Soil Quality: Enrich the soil with organic matter or compost for faster and healthier growth.
- Container Growing: Can be grown in pots or grow bags.
Additional notes:
- The price is for one young plant supplied in a small pot, naturally and organically grown with lots of love in my permaculture food forest in Pacific Haven QLD Australia. Sending within Australia only, not to NORFOLK ISLAND, NT, SA, TAS, or WA. Pick up by appointment only.
- The image of the potted plants is just an example.
- Most of our nursery plants grow in a half-shade. Introducing them to the sun slowly before replanting them to their permanent position will promote healthy growth.
- Do your research before trying any new foods. Please also note our disclaimer in the footer of this page
References: UIC Heritage Garden, viewed 20/12/2024, https://heritagegarden.uic.edu/mexican-tarragon-tagetes-lucida
