How to Grow Mexican Tarragon
Tagetes lucida
Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida) is a tender perennial herb prized for its anise-like flavor, making it a standout addition to culinary gardens. Gardeners grow this drought-tolerant plant not only for fresh sprigs but also for its ability to thrive in full sun with minimal care once established.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Mexican Tarragon: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Mexican Tarragon is not usually started indoors.
Sow seeds directly into the garden bed only after all threat of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently for this tender perennial.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0 before sowing seeds directly outdoors after the last frost date has passed. You can start indoors if your local climate is cool, but this species thrives best when planted into warm ground once danger of frost is gone. Press seeds lightly into the soil surface at a depth no greater than their own height to ensure successful germination within 7 to 14 days.
Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow proper air circulation and growth. Once established, this herb requires very little water; provide about half an inch per week during dry spells but avoid overwatering since it is naturally drought tolerant. Apply a light layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds without restricting root development.
This tough plant has excellent disease resistance and suffers from few pest problems, though deer may occasionally browse new growth if not managed. To harvest, wait until plants reach maturity roughly 80 to 90 days after sowing for the best flavor. Snip stems just above a leaf node in the morning when essential oils are most concentrated.
When to Plant Mexican Tarragon
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
Companion Plants for Mexican Tarragon
✓ Good companions
Complementary pest control against aphids and thrips, similar growing requirements
Mexican tarragon attracts beneficial insects that help with bean pollination
Attracts beneficial wasps that prey on carrot fly larvae
Both attract beneficial insects and have similar water and sun requirements
Both plants repel nematodes and work together to deter garden pests
Deters aphids and spider mites while thriving in similar warm conditions
Helps repel squash bugs and cucumber beetles with its aromatic oils
Mexican tarragon repels aphids and whiteflies that commonly attack tomatoes
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone which inhibits growth of Mexican tarragon and most herbs
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of nearby herbs including Mexican tarragon
Competes for nutrients and may inhibit growth through root competition
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
