Mexican Mint Marigold – so many things to offer

Monarch butterflies migrate through Texas in fall on their way to their winter homes in Mexico. As they do they keep a close eye for pollinators like Mexican mint marigolds. It’s one of their favorites.

What is this lovely little plant with the great smell of licorice or anise? Is it easy to grow in my garden?

Let’s answer some questions.

Mexican mint marigold. Tagetes lucida, a true marigold, even if it doesn’t look like more common marigolds. Also called Mexican tarragon and can be used in tea and to flavor foods, although North Carolina State University’s Extension Horticulture website warns that it should not be eaten in large amounts. They advise washing your hands with soap and water after handling it for a prolonged period.

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Native range: Southwest Texas, Mexico, and South America, but it would be happy to have a chance to show its magic in your garden wherever you are.

Soil preferences: Adapts well to most soils but will grow best in highly organic garden soil that is kept evenly moist.

Mexican mint marigold establishes itself in clumps that come back from their roots in most of Texas each spring. Click image for larger view.

Annual/Perennial: Perennial in its native home, as well as in the southern two-thirds of Texas. It has survived temperatures in single digits in our landscape in rural DFW and come back for more than 30 years.

Sun/Shade: Tolerant of some afternoon shade but grows best in full sunlight.

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Mature height: 18-24 in. Plants spread to form clumps.

Flowers: 3/4-in. daisy-like, bright yellow. September into November. Sweet aroma. Very popular pollinator plant.

Propagated: Seed.

Pests: None. (Not even spider mites.)

Posted by Neil Sperry
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