Huacatay (black mint) Tagetes minuta
Huacatay (black mint) (Tagetes minuta) is an annual herb in the Asteraceae family, native to South America (Andes and Southern Cone). It grows 60 cm–1.8 m (24 in–5.9 ft) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Huacatay (black mint) in your garden →
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Huacatay (black mint) at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.8 m (24 in–5.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | about 13–20 weeks after planting, for 6–13 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves |
| Native to | South America (Andes and Southern Cone) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru |
| Invasive in | South Africa (naturalised weed), Australia (naturalised weed): check local rules before planting |
Is Huacatay (black mint) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, sap, essential oil
Thiophenes and ocimenone in the oil can irritate skin and cause photosensitivity; a small amount is used as a condiment in Peru.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Huacatay (black mint)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Huacatay (black mint)
- How far apart should I plant Huacatay (black mint)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Huacatay (black mint) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Huacatay (black mint) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Huacatay (black mint)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Huacatay (black mint) flower?
- About 13–20 weeks after planting, for 6–13 weeks.
- Is Huacatay (black mint) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Thiophenes and ocimenone in the oil can irritate skin and cause photosensitivity; a small amount is used as a condiment in Peru.
- What grows well with Huacatay (black mint)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Huacatay (black mint). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Strongly scented tall annual that self-seeds and escapes cultivation in several countries; deadhead before seed set. Pet values estimated from the Tagetes listing.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus