How to grow Mexican Tarragon?
- Latin Family: Asteraceae
- Latin Genus: Tagetes
- Ease of Growing: Easy
- Growing Type: Perennial
Also known as Mexican Marigold or Sweet Mace, Mexican Tarragon's leaves have a French Tarragon-like flavor with a hint of Anise, but grows in warmer temperatures where French Tarragon does not do as well. As a spice, the leaves are a harmless additive to eggs and other protein dishes, rendering them savory. The herb is a remedy of the Curanderos, who make a tea infusion for treating the common cold. The golden yellow flowers bloom all summer and have been used for centuries in smoking mixtures. They also make great cut flowers for handsome summer bouquets.
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Mexican Tarragon History
Native to Central America, and has been used by the Aztecs used Mexican Tarragon to flavor chocolate. It still remains popular there today for its tarragon-like flavor.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 6.5 - 7.5
- PH Ideal (min/max): 7.0 - 7.0
Mexican Tarragon does best in a deep, fertile soil that drains well.
How to care for Mexican Tarragon?
Mexican Tarragon will grow well as long as it has good air circulation, plenty of sun, and well-draining semi-moist soil. Leaves and flowers should be pruned regularly to encourage the plant to produce more.
Water
Mexican Tarragon is fairly drought tolerant but will grow more leaves of higher quality if it receives adequate water.
Fertilizer
Mexican Tarragon prefers moderately rich garden soil.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 1 - 3 years
The flowers are hermaphrodites, and have male and female parts. They are pollinated by insects. It is quite easy to save seed from Mexican Tarragon.
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily
Mexican Tarragon will grow more leaves and flowers of higher quality if grown in full sun.
Conditions:Cool, Warm, Hot
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
Hang upside down to dry. Store in an airtight container for up to one month.
Storage Req: Drying
Storage Temp: 55°F
Storage Length: 180-360 days
Problems
Mexican Tarragon Types
- Mexican Tarragon
Native to Mexico, Mexican Tarragon has been used for culinary, medicinal, and spiritual purposes for centuries.
Pests
- Spider Mites
- Gophers
- Rabbits
Diseases
- Aster Yellows
- Root Rot
