Marigold – Mexican Mint
Tagetes lucida
Mexican mint marigold is a perennial plant native to Central America, prized for both its culinary and medicinal qualities. Its shiny, medium-green leaves can be used as a tarragon substitute, and its small, golden-yellow flowers are edible, imparting a spicy flavor with a hint of anise.
http://heritagegarden.uic.edu/mexican-tarragon-tagetes-lucida
Height: 16″ – 20″
Zones: 8 – 11
Days to Germination: 5-15
Container: yes
Deer Resistant: yes
Plant Color: green
Bloom Color: yellow
Life Cycle: annual
Spacing: 8″ – 12″
Juglone Tolerant: yes
Sunlight: sun
Soil: average
Water: average
Design Styles:
Guild Use: insects and possibly rabbits
History
also known as cempasúchil, or Aztec marigold is a native flower to México and was first used by the Aztecs and is used in the Mexican holiday “Dia de los muertos” or day of the dead. Day of the dead originated from Aztec mythology to honor the Aztec goddess of death Mictēcacihuātl.
Uses
These are ways you can use this plant in your landscape or farm:
* potager
* tree guilds
* pots
* herb garden
* use the leaves as a replacement for tarragon
Design
You can place the Mexican Marigold in many types of more informal garden designs, such as the potager, in fruit tree guilds in food forests, and in herb gardens.
Benefits
By choosing this plant, this is the benefit to the environment.
This is the benefit to you.
These are other benefits this plant provides.
Sowing
Transplant (recommended): Sow seeds 1/8″ deep in soil mix 6-8 weeks before the last frost. When the seedlings are several inches tall, pinch back tips to promote branching and to prevent plant lodging, or falling over in the wind. Repeat pinching after two weeks. Harden off before planting outside, after the last frost.
Direct seed: After the last frost, sow 1/4″ deep. Thin and pinch back when the true leaves appear. Space 8-12″ apart in rows 18″ apart.
Parting Thoughts
Leaves may be harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh or dried. Plants may be dug in the fall in areas colder than Zone 8, brought inside as houseplants, and replanted outside the following spring.
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