Botanical profile

Mexican mint marigold

Latin name
Coleus amboinicus
Common name
Mexican mint marigold
Type
Tropical aromatic herb
Family
Lamiaceae

Mexican mint is an aromatic perennial plant, or cultivated as an annual depending on conditions, prized for its fragrant foliage and fresh, slightly spicy, and minty taste. It adds an original touch to herb gardens, edible containers, window boxes, and patio pots. Its distinctive aroma makes it an interesting variety for gardeners who want to diversify their mint collection with a fragrant, productive plant that differs from more classic mints.

Easy to grow, Mexican mint prefers a location in gentle sun or partial shade, in fertile, fresh, and well-drained soil. It appreciates regular watering to maintain tender, flavorful, and aromatic foliage. Like several mints, it can spread quickly when planted in the ground, so it is recommended to grow it in a pot or a delimited space to better control its growth. Frequent pruning promotes a denser plant and continuous harvesting of new leaves.

Very versatile in the kitchen, Mexican mint can be used to flavor infusions, iced teas, lemonades, cocktails, fresh sauces, marinades, fruit salads, desserts, and summer recipes. Its leaves are used fresh to add a lively and slightly exotic minty note to homemade preparations. It is an excellent plant for creating a gourmet, fragrant, and easy-to-maintain garden, while adding an original aromatic variety to outdoor spaces.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Thick aromatic foliage with the scent of oregano and mint
Container, vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, tropical cuisine, herb garden
Container growing
Excellent pot culture in a well-drained container
Seasonal care
Pinch regularly to maintain a compact habit; harvest leaves as needed; bring indoors before cold weather
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate; allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings
Humidity
Low to medium humidity; tolerates short dry periods
Fertilization
Light fertilization in pots during growth
Soil type
Light, fertile, rather dry, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
Minimum temperature
10°C
Propagation method
Stem cuttings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Rare in cultivation
Flower color
Pale lavender to mauve
Foliage color
Grayish green
Foliage type
Persistent in hot climates
Shape
Bushy, succulent, branched habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches)
Width
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Basil, thyme, oregano, chilies
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
Spring to autumn leaves
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

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.