Mexican, Tarragon Seed

Mexican Tarragon Seed

Anise-scented leaves substitute for French tarragon in heat
Golden late-summer flowers add ornamental value
Warm-weather plants flourish in bright sunny conditions
Upright perennial growth supplies aromatic culinary foliage

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Tagetes lucida

Days to maturity

85 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

500 Seeds

Zones 8–11 Check your growing zone

About Mexican, Tarragon Seed, Tarragon Seed

Culinary and medicinal as well as an ornamental herb. May replace French tarragon with similar aroma and overall appearance. Soft oval gray-green leaves, about 7cm long. Hardy perennial bush with an upright growing habit. Blooms late summer with clusters of golden flowers. A warm weather plant, performs best in full light.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/4"

Days to Germination

7–14 days

In-row plant spacing

18-24"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Tender Perennial

Hardiness Zone

Zones 8-11

Plant Height

36 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

35,375

Color

Yellow

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Before planting Tarragon, select a full-sun site with light, well-drained soil and good air circulation. Loosen compacted ground and incorporate only modest compost, since overly rich or wet soil can weaken tarragon growth and flavor. Prepare a clean, fine seedbed or a freely draining container mix, and avoid fresh manure.

Planting

Tarragon may be started indoors 6–10 weeks before the last frost; types that dislike root disturbance are better direct-sown after conditions become suitable. Keep the medium lightly and consistently moist until emergence, never saturated. Space seed-grown tarragon 18–24 inches apart; seed produces Russian tarragon rather than true French tarragon.

Watering

Allow the soil around tarragon to dry somewhat between deep waterings. Avoid frequent shallow irrigation and wet foliage; established plants generally need supplemental water only during prolonged dry weather.

Fertilizer

Use minimal fertilizer on tarragon, guided by visible growth and soil tests. Avoid high-nitrogen products, which encourage excessive foliage, weak stems, and reduced aromatic quality.

Harvesting

Tarragon may be cut repeatedly once vigorous growth begins. Use clean shears, harvest before flowers fully open for best leaf quality, and collect seed heads only after they turn dry.

Tips

Keep tarragon compact by harvesting or pinching often. Container plants may need occasional repotting, while tender perennials can be moved indoors before frost for continued growth.

Pests & Diseases

Tarragon can suffer rust, powdery mildew, leaf spots, and root rot. Remove rusted shoots before harvesting, divide crowded plants regularly, and keep winter moisture away from crowns. Seed-grown tarragon varies widely; discard weak seedlings with persistent spotting rather than using them as stock plants.

Tarragon may attract aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, slugs, or beetles. Inspect before harvest, use physical removal first, and avoid persistent broad-spectrum products on foliage intended for use.