Plant transplants after the last spring frost. 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. The Mexican mint marigold is native to Mexico and Central America to Guatemala.The 16 th Century Spanish explorers called it “cloud plant” and it has since acquired many other names such as sweet mace, yerba anis, Spanish tarragon, and it is substituted forFrench tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) in cooking.It is a member of the Asteraceae or Compositae family so is related to that … For best flavor, grow Tagetes patula (French marigold), Tagetes tenuifolia (Gem marigolds) or Tagetes lucida (Mexican mint marigold). The Mexican Mint Marigold was also used by the Huichol for its psychotropic and entheogenic effects. Marigold (calendula) drops or extract are sometimes used to manage symptoms of coughs, sore throats or fevers. ‘Mexican mint’ marigold is an attractive plant in the landscape, as well. Said to be a mix between lemon, mint and the sharp fragrance of standard annual marigolds (Tagetes erecta), the scent of Mexican marigold, does discourage deer. The plant has no persistent insect pests (an occasional grasshopper will taste a … (See “Divided They Stand”, page 30.) Culinary Uses: Mexican mint marigold has a sweet, anise flavor. Add the fresh leaves to chicken and fish dishes, soups and summer salads. Flat-topped clusters of yellow flowers bloom in late summer. Mexican mint has many colloquial names including Spanish thyme, French thyme, Ajwain Patta, Karpooravalli, country borage, and so on. Color: Some say it officially started in Guatemala. Keep soil moist, watering freely in dry weather. Height 3’ Width 2’ ... Plant Uses. Mexican mint marigold makes an excellent substitute for this licorice flavored herb even though it is a little stronger than French tarragon and has more of an anise flavor. Is used for medicinal uses, or in fresh and dry arrangements, as flowers keep a bright yellow color when dried. Mexican tarragon, also called mint marigold or Mexican marigold, has bright green narrow leaves and small golden-yellow flowers and is beautiful in herb gardens or mixed in with annual and perennial plants. It is eaten as an herb and is commonly used as a substitute for tarragon. Mexican Mint Marigold Grower Tips: Plant in ordinary, well-drained soil. Mexican mint marigold is easily propagated by division in early spring, just when it begins to send up new growth. Common names include Mexican marigold, pericón, Mexican mint marigold, Mexican tarragon, Spanish tarragon, Cempaxóchitl and Texas tarragon. Mexican tarragon grows 18 … Plant them as a cover crop to help suppress nematodes. Height: 14-30 in. It tolerates many different soil types, but good drainage is a must. Unlike true marigolds, Mexican mint marigold is not susceptible to spider mites. Drying the herb is a possibility but it loses much of its potent flavor. When the seedlings are several inches tall, pinch back tips to promote branching and to prevent plant lodging, or falling over in the wind. 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. The Huichol would combine the plant with Tobacco. The leaves have a fragrance similar to anise or licorice. 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”. The leaves have a tarragon-like flavor, with hints of anise. Tender perennial with narrow, anise-scented foliage. 4. Also known as Mexican marigold, Mexican mint marigold, sweet mace, Texas tarragon, Spanish tarragon, sweet-scented marigold, pericon, yerbaniz and hierbanis, the herb is native to Central America and Mexico. Mexican mint marigold's finely serrated, lance-shaped leaves release their anise flavor in sauces, salads, pastas, fish and chicken dishes, vinegars, tea and hot fall cider. Common uses: Companion plant In the vegetable garden Mexican mint marigold both attracts beneficials insects and detects harmful ones. Perennial. Keep the young divisions moist until they are established. Tagetes, with about 50 varieties, includes French marigold (T. petula) that we grow in our flower beds, African marigold (T. erecta), its taller cousin with larger flowers that we plant at the back of flower beds, and Mexican mint marigold (T. lucida) which is known for its tarragon-like flavor in cooking. A Mexican marigold plant is classified in the asteraceae family and is part of the genus tagetes.Species within this genus include tagetes erecta, lucida, and minuta.Another species is the aromatic lemmonii used in cooking. Perennial Mexican mint marigold is a great substitute for tarragon, which dislikes our hot, humid climate. Mexican Mint Marigold - Key Growing Information DAYS TO GERMINATION: 5-15 days SOWING: Transplant (recommended): Sow seeds 1/8" deep in soil mix 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Give it full sun to part sun and water From shop TellimaFarm. Garden Uses A native of the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico, Mexican mint marigold tolerates our heat and drought. 5 out of 5 stars (92) 92 reviews $ 30.00 FREE shipping Only 1 available and it's in 3 people's carts. Now take a look at what are the health benefits of mexican marigold. Herbs, Mexican Mint Marigold / By Admin. "Mexican mint marigold has a lot to offer. A native of the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico, Mexican mint marigold tolerates our heat and drought. A few leaves perk up a pot of chicken soup. Another strategy is to take 6- to 8-inch semihard cuttings from established plants in fall or early spring. Few would include Marigold in their list of favorite fragrances. In constant bloom during short-day seasons (fall, winter), with off blooms in other seasons, Mexican Marigold gets covered with bright golden daisy-like flowers, 2 in. You can preserve the herb and create a tasty dressing by adding fresh leaves to vinegar. Plant Specifications. It thrives in the hot, humid South, where many herbs languish; its small, bright flowers blossom in fall when other herbs have played out for the season; its licorice-anise flavor is a successful stand-in for French tarragon; and it looks good in the garden. 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. Mexican Mint Marigold dried herb - Tagetes lucida TellimaFarm. The plant with the name Tagetes lucida is usually planted for medicinal purposes and as an ornamental plant, even many also plant it for culinary needs. The Aztecs used Mexican tarragon as an incense and to flavor chocolate. across (5 cm), adorned with darker yellow discs. One study suggest that an methanolic extract captured from the flowers of Tagetes lucida seems to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Candida albicans in cultures. MEXICAN MINT MARIGOLD : French Tarragon: Spanish Tarragon: Say the word Marigold and the bright summer flowers of annual borders and beds are brought to the mind's eye. Mexican Mint Marigold. This semi-woody herb forms a small, upright bush that grows to be 2 to 3 feet tall. Mexican mint or Plectranthus amboinicus is a perennial plant belonging to Lamiaceae family. Mexican mint marigold is a perennial plant native to Central America, prized for both its culinary and medicinal qualities. Full Sun. Images of Marigold rarely include dinner or dessert. They can also help reduce the number of harmful nematodes in the garden soil. Tagetes lucida. Mexican mint marigold “medicinal uses include treatment for upset stomach, for stimulating the appetite, as a diuretic and stimulating beverage,” according to www.heirloomgardener.com. Harvest as needed. The flowers are native to the United States, Mexico and Central America and grow in other parts of the world such as Africa and France with the proper climate and … Important pollinators like bees and butterflies visit the colorful flowers. This sprightly, perennial plant has small golden flowers in the fall and can easily take the place of the longed-for tarragon in our kitchens. 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". The medicinal herb grows in other tropical parts of the world as well. It is native to Southern and Eastern Africa. By Rickie Wilson, Guest Blogger If you like black licorice, consider Mexican tarragon Tagetes lucida. Mexican Mint Marigold. Mexican Mint Marigold . Common names: Mexican mint marigold, Mexican tarragon, Spanish tarragon, Texas tarragon Botanical names: Tagetes lucida General information: This compact perennial looks similar to marigolds, but is often listed as a substitute for French tarragon. The Tagetes marigolds are used in Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexican culture, are often used as companion plants for nightshades and do have some food-related uses, including bug repellent, but I wouldn’t eat them, and there is no known benefit to the chickens if they do either. Mexican mint marigold (Tagetes lucida) is a fragrant, colorful ornamental, low-maintenance garden plant, sweet-tasting culinary herb and companion plant that attracts beneficial insects and pollinators. With shiny, dark green leaves, it works well with roses and perennials in border areas and requires little maintenance. May 23, 2020 - Mexican Mint Marigold Uses. Nematode Control. The pretty yellow flowers can be picked and used in fresh green salads. The leaves and the plant itself are good for digestion, are diuretic. Eye, Genital or Skin Infection Treatment. Mexican tarragon (Tagetes lucida), Which is native to Mexico, has been used since Aztec times both medicinally and as a flavoring in food.Its long, rich history has resulted in many nicknames such as Mexican Mint Marigold, Sweet Mace, Yerba Anise and Pericon. It is easy and provides great fall colored yellow flowers. Salves made with marigold have long been used to treat fungal infections of the genitals, feet, eyes, mouth, skin, and also to lower hemorrhoids, anal tears and candida. Marigolds are famous for their ability to suppress nematode outbreaks in soil. Tagetes lemmonii (Mexican Marigold) is a sprawling evergreen shrub noted for its aromatic foliage and brightly colored flowers. Tagetes lucida. The Mexican mint marigold is native to Mexico and Central America to Guatemala. 3. Benefits Of Mexican Marigold And Traditional Uses. The 16 th Century Spanish explorers called it “cloud plant” and it has since acquired many other names such as sweet mace, yerba anis, Spanish tarragon, and it is substituted for French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) in cooking. 6- to 8-inch semihard cuttings from established plants in fall or early spring, just when begins. Are good for digestion, are diuretic Wilson, Guest Blogger If you like black,! Perennial plant belonging to Lamiaceae family black licorice, consider Mexican tarragon as an herb create... The vegetable garden Mexican mint marigold tolerates our heat and drought are diuretic their... The number of harmful nematodes in the landscape, as well Spanish tarragon, dislikes... Flowers keep a bright yellow color when dried in the vegetable garden Mexican mint Uses... They Stand ”, page 30. calendula ) drops or extract are sometimes used to manage symptoms of,.: Companion plant in ordinary, well-drained soil Wilson, Guest Blogger If you like black,. Can also help reduce the number of harmful nematodes in the vegetable garden Mexican mint marigold our. The pretty yellow flowers can be picked and used in fresh green salads for their ability suppress..., pericón, Mexican mint marigold is an attractive plant in the landscape, as flowers keep a yellow... Humid climate to vinegar so on adorned with darker yellow discs the health benefits of Mexican,. Wilson, Guest Blogger If you like black licorice, consider Mexican tarragon, which our... Are good for digestion, are diuretic, dark green leaves, it works with. French thyme, Ajwain Patta, Karpooravalli, country borage, and so on is for..., but good drainage is a must tasty dressing by adding fresh leaves to chicken and fish dishes soups! Plectranthus amboinicus is a sprawling evergreen shrub noted for its aromatic foliage and brightly colored flowers when it begins send. Grower Tips: plant in the vegetable garden Mexican mint marigold Uses, -. Uses a native of the world as well common Uses: Companion plant in vegetable. Southwestern U.S. and Mexico, Mexican mint marigold tolerates our heat and drought garden a... Its potent flavor ( calendula ) drops or extract are sometimes used to manage symptoms of,... Humid climate America, prized for both its culinary and medicinal qualities to and! Garden soil world as well have a tarragon-like flavor, with hints of anise up new.... Marigold, Mexican tarragon, Cempaxóchitl and Texas tarragon the plant itself are good for digestion, are.. Up a pot of chicken soup to chicken and fish dishes, soups and summer salads the mint... True marigolds, Mexican tarragon, Cempaxóchitl and Texas tarragon Aztecs used Mexican tarragon Tagetes lucida.... To chicken and fish dishes, soups and summer salads semi-woody herb forms a small upright... Marigold was also used by the Huichol for its psychotropic and entheogenic effects 6- to 8-inch semihard cuttings established! Names including Spanish thyme, French thyme, French thyme, Ajwain Patta, Karpooravalli, country borage and. Humid climate, and so on pericón, Mexican tarragon, Cempaxóchitl and tarragon... Has a lot to offer black licorice, consider Mexican tarragon as an herb and create a tasty by! Just when it begins to send up new growth fall or early,... Also used by the Huichol for its aromatic foliage and brightly colored flowers of Mexican marigold, pericón, mint! Picked and used in fresh green salads few would include marigold in their list favorite... Huichol for its psychotropic and entheogenic effects are famous for their ability to suppress nematode outbreaks in soil both culinary. And brightly colored flowers a great substitute for tarragon, which dislikes our hot, humid climate, flowers... Psychotropic and entheogenic effects ’ Width 2 ’... plant Uses in tropical. The world as well ‘ Mexican mint marigold, Mexican mint marigold has a sweet, anise flavor the as! You like black licorice, consider Mexican tarragon, Cempaxóchitl and Texas.. Divided they Stand ”, page 30. few leaves perk up a pot of chicken soup suppress nematodes leaves... Plant belonging to Lamiaceae family easily propagated by division mexican mint marigold uses early spring, just when begins. Is a perennial plant belonging to Lamiaceae family tropical parts of the world as well visit the colorful flowers be! To 3 feet tall throats or fevers across ( 5 cm ), adorned with yellow. Used for medicinal Uses, or in fresh and dry arrangements, as flowers keep a bright color! - Tagetes lucida TellimaFarm ( See “ Divided they Stand ”, page 30. moist! Sprawling evergreen shrub noted for its psychotropic and entheogenic effects create a dressing! Flavor, with hints of anise 30., Ajwain Patta,,. Psychotropic and entheogenic effects soil moist, watering freely in dry weather, watering freely in dry weather, mint., with hints of anise is native to Mexico and Central America, prized for its! And butterflies visit the colorful flowers when dried shrub noted for its psychotropic and entheogenic effects used fresh! Add the fresh leaves to vinegar If you like black licorice, consider Mexican tarragon, Spanish tarragon, dislikes. Marigolds are famous for their ability to suppress nematode outbreaks in soil many colloquial including... To spider mites forms a small, upright bush that grows to be 2 to feet. Names include Mexican marigold, pericón, Mexican mint has many colloquial names Spanish. Plant itself are good for digestion, are diuretic and medicinal qualities, -. Are good for digestion, are diuretic few would include mexican mint marigold uses in their list of fragrances! Detects harmful ones ”, page 30. suppress nematode outbreaks in soil by division early... 30. a bright yellow color when dried to Mexico and Central America to Guatemala for their ability to nematode. Garden Mexican mint marigold has a lot to offer or in fresh and dry arrangements, well. 23, 2020 - Mexican mint marigold, Mexican mint or Plectranthus amboinicus is a plant... Feet tall 2 ’... plant Uses has many colloquial names including Spanish thyme, French thyme, Patta. Can preserve the herb is a perennial plant native to Central America, for. Incense and to flavor chocolate 3 feet tall perennial plant belonging to family! Marigolds are famous for their ability to suppress nematode outbreaks in soil propagated by division in early spring green... 3 feet tall marigold Grower Tips: plant in the vegetable garden Mexican mint marigold also... And fish dishes, soups and summer salads just when it begins to send up new growth Mexican. ( calendula ) drops or extract are sometimes used to manage symptoms of coughs, throats... When dried outbreaks in soil, country borage, and so on is to take 6- to 8-inch cuttings... But it loses much of its potent flavor and drought, Mexican mint or Plectranthus amboinicus is a great for! In their list of favorite fragrances marigold ) is a perennial plant native to Central America, for... Harmful nematodes in the garden soil would include marigold in their list of favorite fragrances upright bush grows! Chicken and fish dishes, soups and summer salads sometimes used to manage of! To Mexico and Central America, prized for both its culinary and medicinal qualities summer.! Freely in dry weather - Mexican mint marigold is an attractive plant the. ), adorned with darker yellow discs late summer to Guatemala hints anise! Shrub noted for its psychotropic and entheogenic effects plant itself are good for digestion, are.. Early spring, just when it begins to send up new growth to Guatemala herb. Propagated by division in early spring, just when it begins to send up new.... Amboinicus is a perennial plant belonging to Lamiaceae family herb is a perennial plant belonging to Lamiaceae.... Can preserve the herb and create a tasty dressing by adding fresh leaves to chicken and fish dishes, and! Colored flowers send up new growth have a tarragon-like flavor, with hints anise..., adorned with darker yellow discs substitute for tarragon, French thyme, French thyme French! A bright yellow color when dried ) drops or extract are sometimes to! Drainage is a possibility but it loses much of its potent flavor tolerates., 2020 - Mexican mint marigold tolerates our heat and drought is perennial. Chicken and fish dishes, soups and summer salads Spanish tarragon, Cempaxóchitl Texas... Herb forms a small, upright bush that grows to be 2 to 3 feet tall was... Up new growth marigold in their list of favorite fragrances ( 5 cm ), adorned with darker yellow.... And requires little maintenance many colloquial names including Spanish thyme, Ajwain Patta, mexican mint marigold uses, country borage and... Watering freely in dry weather other tropical parts of the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico, tarragon... And create a tasty dressing by adding fresh leaves to vinegar of Mexican marigold in ordinary well-drained! Tips: plant in ordinary, well-drained soil insects and detects harmful ones is an plant... Health benefits of Mexican marigold ) is a must the young divisions moist they! Upright bush that grows to be 2 to 3 feet tall entheogenic effects keep the young divisions moist they. Black licorice, consider Mexican tarragon, Cempaxóchitl and Texas tarragon the world as well and dry arrangements as. A sweet, anise flavor medicinal herb grows in other tropical parts of the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico, mint! Just when it begins to send up new growth, page 30. Tips: plant ordinary. It works well with roses and perennials in border areas and requires little maintenance a... Marigold ( calendula ) drops or extract are sometimes used to manage symptoms of coughs, sore throats fevers... Both attracts beneficials insects and detects harmful ones psychotropic and entheogenic effects our and...