Mexican Tarragon SEEDS – 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. Perfect for Australian gardeners seeking a hardy, flavorful herb that’s both decorative and practical!

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)”

The price is for 20 seeds. Not to TAS or WA.

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.

Planting and growing tips:

• Start in a pot or tray to ensure success. Keep moist, not wet, until the seeds sprout.
• Replant into individual pots when the seedlings have 3-4 leaves.
• This is an easy-to-grow plant, that loves full sun or semi-shade, and not much watering.
• Replant into its final position or to a larger pot at the latest when you see some roots coming out of the pot’s bottom holes. The better the soil, the quicker and better it will grow.
• It doesn’t like to sit in water so a well-drained position is best. All our edibles grow happily and quickly in slightly raised garden beds.
• Trimming after harvest promotes future growth. I usually trim the branches during winter.

Additional notes:

• The seeds come from the mother plant, naturally grown with love in my permaculture food forest in Pacific Haven QLD Australia. Sending within Australia only, not to TAS, or WA.
• 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