TagetesLucida244.JPG. by Don Manfredo. CC BY-SA 3.0. via Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Mexican Tarragon Plant Care
Tagetes lucida (Sweet) Voss
Tagetes lucida is a perennial plant native to Mexico and Central America. It is used as a medicinal plant and as a culinary herb. The leaves have a tarragon-like scent, with hints of anise, and it has entered the nursery trade in North America as a tarragon substitute. Common names include sweetscented marigold,[3] Mexican marigold, Mexican mint marigold, Mexican tarragon, sweet mace, Texas tarragon, pericón, yerbaniz, and hierbanís.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun
60–80°F
40–60%
What Is the Mexican Tarragon?
Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Tagetes genus. Mexican Tarragon is native to Mexico and Central America. Mexican Tarragon is also known as Tagetes anethina, Tagetes florida, Tagetes gilletii.
Mexican Tarragon displays a bushy annual growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 inches tall with a spread of approximately 1 inches. Mexican Tarragon produces bright, daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mexican Tarragon?
Tagetes lucida requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Mexican Tarragon Need?
Mexican Tarragon thrives in full sun light conditions. The optimal light range is 500–1000 lux. Avoid placing Mexican Tarragon in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun
500–1000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mexican Tarragon Prefer?
Tagetes lucida grows best at temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. Mexican Tarragon prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mexican Tarragon?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Mexican Tarragon to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Mexican Tarragon?
Annual repotting in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Mexican Tarragon?
Mexican Tarragon can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to marigold plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 3 months
During the growing season
Is the Mexican Tarragon Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Mexican Tarragon?
Mexican Tarragon is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Mexican Tarragon Need?
Mexican Tarragon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. Native to Mexico and Central America, Mexican Tarragon is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Mexican Tarragon as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Mexican Tarragon is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Tagetes genus — compare its care with other Tagetes species on PlantoScan.
Mexican Tarragon thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Tagetes Species
Other Tagetes species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
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