Mexican Mint Marigold (Tagetes lucida), also known as Spanish Tarragon, is a fragrant, sun-loving perennial valued for its aromatic leaves and bright golden-yellow summer-to-fall blooms. This non-GMO seed variety thrives in warm climates, offering gardeners a hardy, drought-tolerant plant perfect for borders, pollinator gardens, containers, and herbal plantings. Known for its sweet anise-like aroma and long-lasting blooms, Mexican Mint Marigold is both ornamental and functional, making it a favorite in US home gardens.
Features
- Produces bright golden-yellow flowers
- Fragrant leaves with sweet anise aroma
- Non-GMO Spanish Tarragon variety
- Heat-loving, drought-tolerant plant
- Excellent for borders, pollinator gardens, and patio containers
- Attracts butterflies and beneficial insects
- Long-blooming and low-maintenance
Specifications
- Common Name: Mexican Mint Marigold, Spanish Tarragon
- Scientific Name: Tagetes lucida
- Plant Type: Perennial in warm climates; grown as annual in cooler zones
- USDA Zones: 8–11 (annual in zones 3–7)
- Season: Summer to fall bloom
- Height: 18–30 inches
- Bloom Color: Golden yellow
- Foliage: Narrow, glossy, aromatic green leaves
- Heirloom: Yes
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Organic: Not certified organic
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained, average to slightly sandy soils
- Water Needs: Low to moderate
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Days to Maturity: 90–110 days
- Heat Tolerance: High
- Cold Tolerance: Low
- Plant Spacing: 12–18 inches
- Seed Longevity: 1–3 years stored in cool, dry conditions
Planting Guide
- Sowing Method: Start indoors or direct sow outdoors after frost.
- Seed Preparation: No pre-treatment required.
- When to Plant:
- Indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost
- Outdoors: After frost danger has passed
- Sowing Depth: 1/8–1/4 inch.
- Germination Time: 7–14 days.
- Light Requirements: Full sun.
- Soil Conditions: Well-drained, average soil; avoid soggy conditions.
- Watering: Moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established.
- Maintenance:
- Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering
- Pinch young plants for bushier growth
- Protect from frost in cooler climates
