Botanical profile

Mexican Tarragon

Latin name
*Tagetes lucida*
Common name
Mexican tarragon
Type
Annual aromatic herb
Family
Asteraceae

Mexican tarragon is an annual aromatic plant highly valued for its fragrant foliage with an aniseed taste, reminiscent of traditional tarragon with a more floral and slightly sweet note. Its narrow green foliage and bright orange-yellow flowers make it a plant that is as decorative as it is useful in the vegetable garden, in herb containers, edible planters, and sunny borders. It is particularly interesting as an alternative to French tarragon, especially in gardens where a more heat-tolerant plant is desired.

Easy to grow, Mexican tarragon prefers a warm, sunny location in light, fertile, and well-drained soil. It tolerates warmer periods well and requires little maintenance once established. Regular harvesting of young leaves helps maintain a denser and more productive plant, while enjoying tender and aromatic foliage. It grows very well in pots near the kitchen, on a terrace, or directly in the vegetable garden.

Very versatile in the kitchen, Mexican tarragon can flavor sauces, vinaigrettes, marinades, fish, poultry, eggs, vegetables, infusions, and desserts with herbaceous notes. Its flowering also attracts pollinators and adds a beautiful splash of color to edible landscapes. It is an excellent plant for gardeners looking for an original, flavorful, decorative, and easy-to-grow herb throughout the warm season.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Aromatic foliage with an aniseed flavour and bright yellow flowers
Vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, container, fresh cuisine, pollinator garden
Container growing
Excellent for container growing in a well-drained pot
Seasonal care
Harvest leaves as needed; pinch to promote compact growth; protect from cold and remove spent flowers if desired
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Moderate; allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings
Humidity
Low to medium humidity; prefers well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light fertilization; avoid excess nitrogen
Soil type
Light, fertile, rather dry, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
Minimum temperature
32 °F
Propagation method
Sowing or cuttings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Late summer to autumn
Flower color
Orange-yellow
Fruiting
Seeds at the end of the season
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Upright, bushy, and branched habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
18 to 36 inches (45 to 90 cm)
Width
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Tomatoes, peppers, basil, marigolds
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
Spring to autumn leaves
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

Repellent

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.