Mexican Tarragon, Heirloom Herb Seeds

Mexican Tarragon, Heirloom Herb Seeds — The Mint-Licorice Herb That Repels Pests and Feeds Pollinators

Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida) — also known as Pericón, Sweet Mace, or Mexican Marigold — is one of the most versatile herbs in the garden. Glossy leaves and golden flowers carry a complex, mint-licorice flavor that makes a delicious tea and a traditional condiment in Mexican cooking. As a companion plant, it earns its place twice over: the flowers attract ladybugs, butterflies, and bumblebees while repelling aphids, whiteflies, cabbage maggots, and bean weevils. Fragrant when brushed, beautiful in bloom, and productive through the season — an excellent container plant for porches, decks, and patios.

Annual in zones 4–7; perennial in zones 8–11.

Why Grow Mexican Tarragon?

• Complex mint-licorice flavor — delicious as a tea and traditional Mexican condiment
• Natural pest repellent — deters aphids, whiteflies, cabbage maggots, and bean weevils
• Pollinator magnet — attracts ladybugs, butterflies, and bumblebees
• Golden flowers all season — fragrant, beautiful, and excellent as cut flowers
• Excellent companion plant — pairs well with basil, beans, eggplant, peas, sage, and tomatoes
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

Growing Notes

Direct sow outdoors after last frost when soil is warm. Press seeds firmly into moist soil in full sun to part shade. Keep soil moist during germination, then reduce watering until the top inch is slightly dry. Harvest flowers every few days to promote continuous blooming. Robust and low-maintenance once established.

Packet size: 30+ seeds
Type: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated, Annual (zones 4–7) / Perennial (zones 8–11)
Sun: Full sun to part shade
USDA Zones: 4–11