Mexican (also called Texas) tarragon (Tagetes lucida) grows all spring and summer before it produces many yellow, single marigold-like blossoms, but that is just a bonus because the main reason to grow it is for the flavored leaves. In warm climates, its anise-like flavor makes it a substitute for French tarragon, which often withers in heat. You will find that it goes by many names: Texas tarragon, false tarragon, Mexican mint marigold, winter tarragon, yerba anise, hierba de anis, hierba de San Juan, and pericon. Try growing Mexican tarragon in an herb garden, flower bed, or container. Let it be the bright spot in your herb garden, which often needs a boost by summer’s end. The upright plants pair well with other fall bloomers such as pineapple sage. Plants bloom lightly in the spring, then profusely in the fall.
Soil, Planting, and Care
Although grown as an annual in most of the country, Mexican tarragon is a half-hardy perennial in warmer regions, where it comes back vigorously from the roots in spring. In climates where it never dies down from frost, keep it trimmed. When planting, space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
Plants need full sun or partial shade and must have well-drained soil. Given that, they grow easily and without fuss. Improve the nutrition and texture of your existing soil by mixing a few inches of Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose In-Ground Soil in with the top layer.
Although drought tolerant, tarragon will be fuller and bloom best if kept moist. Tarragon will benefit from the nutrition provided by regular feedings of plant food, such as Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition (follow label directions). It’s worth noting that if stems fall over and touch the ground, they will take root, causing plants to spread. Tarragon also reseeds
Troubleshooting
Plants are not bothered by most pests, but be sure to plant them in a spot that drains well, or the roots can rot.
Harvest and Storage
Snip fresh sprigs as needed, beginning in spring. Before frost, harvest the stems by cutting them at the base and letting them air-dry on a screen, or bundle a few together at the base to hang upside-down to dry.
Uses
Substitute Mexican terragon for French tarragon in equal proportions. The flavor breaks down more quickly when heated, so it is best to add it at the end of cooking. This herb is an ingredient in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.
Download our How to Grow Herbs instructions. They are in .PDF format.
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