Mexican Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
HOW TO GROW MEXICAN TARRAGON
Surface sow indoors from late spring to early summer 6–8 weeks before last frost. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, the divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the shoots when 10–15 cm long, pot them up in a greenhouse and plant out when well rooted. Self-sows freely, deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season. Germination is irregular, often several months. Divide after three years. Surface sow, press into soil, do not cover. Soil pH 6.6–7.5. Hardiness zones 8–11. Perennial.
Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 177,000 seeds per ounce. Usual seed life: 2–3 years.
Planting Depth 1/4–1/2”
Soil Temp. Germ. 1–3 months
Days to Germ. 75–80˚F
Plant Spacing 18-24”
Row Spacing 30-48”
Days To Maturity 120-150
Full Sun, Moist Well Drained Soil
Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 177,000 seeds per ounce. Usual seed life: 2–3 years.
Planting Depth 1/4–1/2”
Soil Temp. Germ. 1–3 months
Days to Germ. 75–80˚F
Plant Spacing 18-24”
Row Spacing 30-48”
Days To Maturity 120-150
Full Sun, Moist Well Drained Soil
- 300 Seeds$3.50
- 3000 Seeds$16.50
Mexican tarragon (Tagetes lucida) is a Marigold, not a tarragon. Grows to 18–30” tall. The leaves are dried and ground into a powder, then used as a tarragon substitute for savory flavoring soups, sauces etc. They have an anise-like flavor and licorice tarragon fragrance. The leaves were an important flavoring of 'c...
Mexican tarragon (Tagetes lucida) is a Marigold, not a tarragon. Grows to 18–30” tall. The leaves are dried and ground into a powder, then used as a tarragon substitute for savory flavoring soups, sauces etc. They have an anise-like flavor and licorice tarragon fragrance. The leaves were an important flavoring of 'chocolatl', the foaming cocoa-based drink of the Aztecs. The dried leaves and flowering tops are brewed into a pleasant anise-flavoured tea. This is a very popular drink in Latin America. In one study, methanolic extract from the flower inhibited growth of Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Candida albicans cultures. This effect was enhanced with exposure to ultraviolet light. The roots, stems, and leaves also had the same effect when irradiated with UV light. The petals are used as a condiment. Secretions from the roots of growing plants have an insecticidal effect on the soil repelling various insect pests such as the asparagus beetle and bean weevils, they also have an effect against some persistent weeds such as couch grass. These secretions are produced about 4 months after sowing. A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers. Also known as Sweetscented marigold, Mexican marigold, Mexican mint marigold, Spanish tarragon, sweet mace, Texas tarragon, pericón, yerbaniz, and hierbanís. Tags: Specialty: Drought Tolerant, Heritage: New Listing, Certification: Organic.
Tagetes lucida Cav. is a perennial plant native to Oaxaca, Mexico and Guatemala. It is used as a medicinal plant and as a culinary herb. The leaves have a tarragon-like flavor, with hints of anise, and it has entered the nursery trade in North America as a tarragon substitute.
Tagetes lucida Cav. is a perennial plant native to Oaxaca, Mexico and Guatemala. It is used as a medicinal plant and as a culinary herb. The leaves have a tarragon-like flavor, with hints of anise, and it has entered the nursery trade in North America as a tarragon substitute.
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