Mexican Mint Marigold

Lazy gardeners, here is a plant for you….Tagetes lucida, or Mexican Mint Marigold. It is hardy, low maintenance, aesthetically pleasing and also useful in other ways besides landscaping.

As for hardiness, it will grow in most soils, even poor soils, as long as they are well drained. Once established, it is heat and drought tolerant. Insects are no problem, they stay away from the aromatic leaves.

Virtually maintenance free, T. lucida requires full sun and little water once established. To maintain an attractive appearance, shear back in late spring for a tighter and more compact form. It goes dormant in winter, but comes back every spring.

Pretty dime sized orange daisies top the very vertical, upright branches in October. The bright green, foliage is linear with serrated edges. The plant will grow to about 2-3’tall and wide.

Tagetes lucida is useful in cooking. The leaves can be used as a substitute for tarragon. Keep in mind, the leaves have a more intense anise flavor, so use judiciously.

Finally, but not recommended, Mexican mint marigold is used in some cultures for its psychoactive properties when smoked. Mild euphoria and closed-eye-images are experienced by the user.

Lazy gardeners, impress your friends, add some spice and color to your garden. You can grow Tagetes lucida with ease.

Kick back and relax……

zzz