Tagetes lucida
Tagetes lucida is Mexican mint marigold, a perennial herb in warm zones with late‑season yellow daisies. It is distinct for licorice‑scented leaves and a bloom window that runs from late summer into fall. Plants prefer full sun and light, well‑drained soils and tolerate a wide soil pH range. In USDA zones 8 to 11 it can be perennial; elsewhere it is grown as an annual. Clumps reach 6 to 30 inches tall and 6 to 18 inches wide. Slugs and snails may damage seedlings; botrytis appears occasionally in wet spells.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Mexican tarragon (species)
- Height × spread: 6-30 in × 6-18 in (15-75 cm × 15-45 cm)
- Bloom window: late summer to fall
- Color & flower form: Yellow; small single daisies under 1 in
- Fragrance: 2 noticeable
- USDA hardiness: zones 8-11; grown as annual elsewhere
- Breeder / Year / Origin: Cavanilles, 1795-1796, Mexico to Honduras
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Perennial option in warm zones rather than a strictly annual bedding plant.
- Later bloom season compared with many marigolds.
- Aromatic foliage with an anise‑like note.
- Narrow leaves and airy clusters create a lighter texture.
Strengths
- Tolerates heat and periods of drought once established.
- Manages a wide soil pH range.
- Provides late‑season color for borders and herb beds.
- Often deer resistant.
Care in one minute
- Full sun; light, well‑drained soil.
- Water to establish; then moderate irrigation.
- Light spring feeding; avoid heavy nitrogen.
- Shear after first flush to keep compact.
- In zones 8-11, cut back after frost and mulch crowns lightly.
Watch‑outs
- Frost sensitive; dies back or fails outside its hardiness range.
- Slugs and snails can chew young growth.
- Plant sap may irritate skin in sensitive people.
Best uses (tags)
borders, herb gardens, containers, late season, drought‑tolerant
Provenance note
Published by Cavanilles in the late 1790s; native from Mexico to Honduras and cultivated as an ornamental herb.
References
- NC State Extension – Tagetes lucida
- IPNI – Tagetes lucida publication note
- UC ANR – Tagetes spp. plant safely note
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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