Mexican Mint Marigold

Mexican Mint Marigold is a flowering perennial herb that makes a flavorful substitute for French tarragon. It is far more heat tolerant than true tarragon, with a strong tarragon-like flavor and hints of anise, and has long been valued for both culinary and medicinal use.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Tagetes lucida
• Type: Perennial herb, open-pollinated, non-GMO
• Hardiness: Zones 8 to 11
• Sun: Full sun
• Traits: Heat tolerant, tarragon substitute
• Use: Culinary, medicinal, pollinator planting

Best for

• A heat-tolerant tarragon alternative
• Seasoning fish, chicken, and vegetables
• Herbal teas and infusions
• Pollinator and edible-flower gardens
• Warm-climate perennial herb beds

How to grow

Start seeds indoors or sow after the last frost, transplanting into full sun with well-drained soil. In zones 8 to 11 it returns as a perennial, while in cooler zones it can be grown as an annual or container plant. Pinch regularly to encourage bushy growth.

Flavor profile

Strongly aromatic with a sweet tarragon character and clear notes of anise, ideal where true tarragon struggles in heat.

About MIgardener

MIgardener is a Michigan-based family company offering affordable, non-GMO heirloom seeds and gardening supplies, with a mission to make growing your own food simple and accessible.