How to Grow Mexican Tarragon
Tagetes lucida
Mexican tarragon is a tender perennial from the marigold family (Tagetes) grown as an annual in temperate climates. It thrives in full sun and heat where French tarragon struggles, producing bushy aromatic foliage with a sweet anise flavour used as a tarragon substitute. Sow indoors in spring, plant out after all frost risk has passed, and harvest leaves freely once established. Plants flower profusely in late summer with small golden-yellow blooms that attract pollinators. Frost-tender; lift and overwinter under glass or treat as an annual.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 10°C and soil has warmed to at least 15°C.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
—
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 15°C+
Enter your last frost date to see your dates
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
Want your full season plan with reminders? Try Leaftide free
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 40 cm |
| Mature height | 75 cm |
| Mature spread | 40 cm |
Give plants room for their bushy habit. Can be planted closer in containers but allow good air circulation.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 15°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | short day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Mexican Tarragon?
- Plant Mexican Tarragon 30cm apart with 40cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Mexican Tarragon?
- Mexican Tarragon is ready to harvest approximately 60 days after transplanting.
- Is Mexican Tarragon frost hardy?
- Mexican Tarragon is classified as Tender.
