Oct 31, 2018 - Mexican mint marigold… If you’ve never grown this plant, prepare to fall in love with it. Mexican mint marigold is easily propagated by division in early spring, just when it begins to send up new growth. Mexican mint marigold was used previously be the Aztecs to perform their rituals. Southwest Gardening, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com. Perennial Mexican mint marigold is a great substitute for tarragon, which dislikes our hot, humid climate. (See “Divided They Stand”, page 30.) According to legend, the ancient Aztec chieftains used a powder made from the aromatic leaves of mint marigold to calm the hapless victims of sacrificial rituals. Other common names of the herb include Cloud Plant, Mexican Mint Marigold, Mexican Tarragon, Mint-Marigold, Spanish Tarragon, Sweet Scent Marigold, Sweet Scent Mexican Marigold… Lynette discussed the proper growing conditions, cooking instructions and complementary food pairings. Your friends at Mother Earth Living and Mother Earth News. As a member of the Asteraceae family, Tagetes lucida , produces brilliant deep-yellow (lucida), five pedaled blossoms (about 5/8 inch across) that are borne terminally. The flowers will attract bees and butterflies to the oasis. Texas AgriLife Extension, Harris County Extension; Gardening Fact Sheet; Herbs for Harris County Selections and Uses; Keywords (tags) drought tolerant, herb, tarragon, butterflies. The specific name, lucida, means “bright” or “shining”, probably referring to the bright yellow-gold flowers. 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. Mexican mint marigold (also called sweet marigold, anise marigold, or Texas tarragon), is a perennial herb with yellow flowers in late summer.The foliage has a very strong tarragon flavor. In warm regions, such as the Gulf Coast, Mexican mint marigold is evergreen. It is native to Southern and Eastern Africa. The latter are prized by herb gardeners as potpourri material as well as for their ornamental value. This plant spreads freely. Try growing Mexican tarragon in an herb garden, flower bed, or container. Mexican marigold (Tagetes lucida, 18-24 inches, USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10) is a native of Mexico and Central America, so it will tolerate high heat and drought. Canadian subscriptions: 1 year (includes postage & GST). Already a Member but Size: 1 to 2 feet high and 18 inches wide, Flowers: bright yellow gold five pedaled flowers, Bloom time: summer to late winter; peaking in fall, Leaves: narrow fine toothed dark green leaves contain essential oils similar in fragrance to tarragon. Avoid overcooking. A boy with the wisdom of an old man who sprang from the ground (or perhaps was plowed up), he taught the Etruscans the art of soothsaying. don't have an online It is also used as a culinary herb in many warm climates, as a substitute for tarragon, and offered in the nursery as "Texas tarragon" or "Mexican mint marigold". A native of the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico, Mexican mint marigold tolerates our heat and drought. This plant tolerates poor soils, but it must be well drained. Google Books A Cowboy in the Kitchen: Recipes from Reata and Texas West of the Pecos by Grady Spears and Robb Walsh Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press 1998 Pg. In the humid South, where French tarragon is difficult to grow, mint marigold is a fine culinary substitute. In salads, vinegars, oils, or quick-cooking recipes, substitute it for tarragon in equal proportions. In constant bloom during short-day seasons (fall, winter), with off blooms in other seasons, Mexican Marigold … It is easy and provides great fall colored yellow flowers. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/tagetes-lemmonii-mexican-marigold … Common names include Mexican marigold, pericón, Mexican mint marigold, Mexican tarragon, Spanish tarragon, Cempaxóchitl and Texas tarragon. Mexican Marigold Mint (Tagetes lucida) Even if it is difficult for us to grow tarragon here in Texas, Mother Nature has come to our rescue with the Mexico/Southwest US native, Mexican Marigold Mint. Blooming in summer to late fall, it is excellent for attracting migrating butterflies. Other Names: Mexican Mint Marigold, Texas Tarragon, Sweet Mace. The leaves have a fragrance similar to anise or licorice. It is even believed to provide psychotropic effects when mixed with Nicotiana rustica. 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 flavor, with hints of anise, and it has entered the nursery trade in North America as a tarragon substitute. Also Known As: Spanish Tarragon, Texas Tarragon, Mexican Tarragon Botanical Name: Tagetes lucida Plant Type: Perennial Light Requirement: Full Sun, Partial Shade Water Demand: … Strip off the lower leaves and stick the cuttings in sand in semishade. This paragon, native to the mountains of Mexico and Guatemala, is a neat, upright bush some 3 feet tall with narrow, sharply toothed dark green leaves. Many use it as flavoring herb and for making a tea. Google Books A … Packet: 200 seeds. Another strategy is to take 6- to 8-inch semihard cuttings from established plants in fall or early spring. 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