Herb
Mexican Tarragon
Tagetes lucida · Asteraceae
Also called: Mexican Mint Marigold, Texas Tarragon, Sweet-scented Marigold, Spanish Tarragon, Yerbanís, Pericón
Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida) is a low-water herb well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, with a moderate growth rate. Expect golden yellow blooms late summer through fall.
Mexican Tarragon at a glance
- Water use
- Low (established)
- Sun
- Full sun to partial shade; in Tucson avoid hot western and reflected exposures—give afternoon/filtered shade in peak summer. Tolerates desert heat better than French tarragon.
- Mature size
- 1.5–3 ft tall and 1–2 ft wide (shrubby herbaceous habit).
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom
- Golden yellow, Late summer through fall (short-day bloomer); profuse small golden-yellow marigold flowers. A valuable late-season nectar source.
- Cold hardiness
- Frost-tender top growth (hardy roughly USDA 8–11); freezes back in Tucson winters but reliably returns from the root crown in spring. Mulch the crown for protection.
- Soil
- Well-drained soil; tolerates poor, alkaline desert soils. Good drainage is essential—amend heavy soils with compost.
- Native range
- Mexico and Central America (Guatemala).
- Best used as
- Culinary herb (anise/licorice-flavored French-tarragon substitute for sauces, vinegars, teas; heat-tolerant alternative to French tarragon, which struggles in the low desert), Pollinator/butterfly plant, Ornamental fall-blooming perennial, Traditional medicinal and ceremonial herb
- Wildlife
- Excellent late-season nectar plant—strongly attracts butterflies and bees; aromatic foliage tends to repel some pests.
- Toxicity
- Generally regarded as non-toxic and safe for culinary use; no significant toxicity to people or pets reported. As with marigolds, foliage can rarely cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
How to grow Mexican Tarragon in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Warm-season herbaceous perennial—plant in spring after frost or during the monsoon. Drought-tolerant once established; water deeply about weekly in summer and allow soil to dry between irrigations. It stays fuller and blooms better with consistent moisture, but avoid soggy soil.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Low feeder. Amend with compost at planting; a light application of balanced fertilizer once or twice in the growing season is plenty. Excess nitrogen reduces aromatic oil and flavor.
Pruning & care
Pinch and harvest tips through the season to keep it bushy. Cut back hard after fall bloom or after winter dieback to renew growth in spring; shear leggy plants to maintain shape.
Notes
The best tarragon substitute for Tucson, since true French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) dislikes desert heat and humidity. Anise-like flavor is stronger than French tarragon. Site away from reflected west walls; gives a reliable golden fall flower display.
Sources: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension / Pima County Master Gardeners; ASU (C. Martin) plant database – Tagetes lucida (desert exposure guidance); UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions – Mexican Tarragon; PFAF plant database – Tagetes lucida