Mexican Mint Marigold by CMG Vickie C
Mexican Mint Marigold, Tagetes lucida, is native to Central America and Mexico. It has become popular in North America as a substitute for French tarragon because the leaves have a licorice or anise flavor. Also known as anise marigold, Mexican tarragon, Spanish tarragon, or sweet mace, this culinary herb is commonly used to season fish, chicken, egg dishes, salads and dips.
The Aztecs used this herb for medicine, cooking and rituals. They also used it as a chest rub to ensure safe river crossings. It was burned as incense and used for flower decor during Aztec religious ceremonies. In the Mexican culture, it is commonly used as a medicinal tea made from its flower petals to treat diarrhea, gas and the common cold.
Mexican Mint Marigold is a Texas Superstar® because it is an easy-to-grow herb and a popular herbaceous ornamental. Its shiny green foliage has a licorice scent; the bright yellow or orange-yellow flowers attract pollinators in late summer and fall. It blooms in late summer to early fall. The flowers are hermaphroditic and must be pollinated by insects. Even though it is similar in taste to French tarragon it is not related and is a much hardier perennial plant.
This herb grows best in the full sun. It will tolerate partial shade, but less sun will reduce flower production. It is moderately drought and heat tolerant. Mexican Mint Marigold grows in various soils if well-drained and its water requirements are met. It is not associated with a lot of pest or disease problems. Unlike true marigolds, it is not susceptible to spider mites.
At maturity, it is 2-3 feet in height and width. It is a good companion plant for Gregg’s blue mistflower, Mexican bush sage, and Rio Grande global amaranth. Mexican Mint Marigold will die back to the ground with the first freeze. The only pruning necessary is to remove the spent foliage at the end of the growing season.
Try Mexican Mint Marigold in this delicious cheese spread recipe from Sally Ann Hnatiuk from the Texas A&M Agrilife Herbs Advanced Training course. If Neufchatel cheese indicated in the recipe is too bougie for you, substitute softened cream cheese.
Mexican Mint Marigold Herbal Cheese
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp. minced fresh Mexican Mint Marigold, 1 tsp. ground cumin, 1Tbsp. lime juice, ¼ cup sour cream, ½ tsp. salt, 1 tsp. fresh ground pepper, 1 lb. Neufchatel cheese
Directions: Mix softened cheese with sour cream. Add cumin, lime juice, salt, pepper. Mix well. Stir in the Mexican Mint Marigold. Serve with vegetables or crackers.
By CMG Vickie C.
Sources: TexasSuperstar.com; CentralTexasGardener.org