Mexican Tarragon is one of the most unique varieties of marigold that I have grown. These tiny flowers smell just like spicy licorice! Here is how you can grow your own.
Marigolds are often unappreciated by gardeners because they are so common. Everyone knows what a yellow or orange marigold looks like.
We aren't talking about any old marigold though... we are talking about Mexican Tarragon. This little flower has many names such as; Mexican Mint, Sweet Mace, Texas Tarragon, Pericón, and Anise Marigold.
I came across this marigold variety while scouring heirloom seed catalogs. As you probably gathered, by the name, this marigold is touted for its spicy, anise scent.
Once I read about this flower, I had to grow it! Who wouldn't want to grow a flower that smells like anise seeds.
Now that I have grown it, I can confirm this marigold smells exactly like spiced licorice. The flowers also have a spicy taste similar to anise and cinnamon.
Starting Mexican Tarragon Seeds
This marigold takes about 80 days to mature and flower, which is similar to most tomato plants. Because of the long days to maturity, I recommend starting the flowers indoors.
You can start these flowers anywhere from 4-8 weeks before your last frost. If you don't have the capability to start your own plants, direct sowing is an option.
I like to start these plants in my homemade potting soil. Plant the seeds ¼" deep and keep the soil moist, but not water logged. Within a week or two you should have tiny marigold plants.
I seed these in groups of 3 to 5 seeds. This will yield more flowers and bushier plants.
Transplanting And Care
Mexican Tarragon is a perennial in zones 8 and up, so this plant really dislikes cold weather. Make sure to only transplant your marigolds once all threat of frost has passed.
These flowers can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. Marigolds make great companion plants as they deter pests, so I like to intersperse this among other plants.
I have also added this flower to my edible planters for some extra color. Having this plant all around my garden is amazing because of the spicy scent it gives off.
Each grouping of plants can be spaced anywhere from 8-12 inches apart, as the plants can grow to up to 2 feet wide and tall.
Once transplanted Mexican Tarragon doesn't ask for much. The plants are tough, enjoy dry spells, and don't need fertilizer.
The only care I would give them is the occasional pruning. This will help the plants grow bushier as they do tend to grow tall and skinny. Pinching the tall shoots occasionally will not harm the plant.
Getting Mexican Tarragon To Bloom
When growing any flower, it can seem like ages before they produce blooms. Here are some things your plants need in order to flower.
- Full Sun: Almost every flowering plant requires full sun to bloom.
- Lack Of Nutrients: If flower plants get too much fertilizer they will grow foliage instead of blooms. There is a healthy balance between the two.
- Lack Of Water: While not true for all flowers, Mexican Tarragon does not like water logged soil, and dry spells can induce flowering.
- Dead Heading: Once flowers do appear, pick off the dead ones, and this will keep the plant producing.
Using Mexican Tarragon
Pericón can be dried and made into a medicinal tea. This tea originates from South America and is said to have numerous health benefits.
The flowers and leaves can be used as a natural fabric dye.
Add the flowers to your next vase. The aroma from these flowers will make your house smell amazing!
The fresh flowers can also be used in salads to add flavor.
Saving Mexican Tarragon Seeds
After you smell these flowers, I am sure you will want to grow them again. You can save seeds from your Mexican Tarragon plants to grow again next year.
Just follow the same steps for saving marigold seeds.
Pin This!
Leave a Reply