Mexican marigold (Mexican tarragon) Tagetes lucida
Mexican marigold (Mexican tarragon) (Tagetes lucida) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Asteraceae family, native to Mexico and Guatemala. It grows 60–90 cm (24–35 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -7 °C (19 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Mexican marigold (Mexican tarragon) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 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 | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -7 °C (19 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about September for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flowers |
| Native to | Mexico and Guatemala |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Mexican marigold (Mexican tarragon) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, flowers, sap
ASPCA lists Tagetes marigolds as mildly irritating to pets (gut and skin); this species is assumed to behave similarly.
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 Mexican marigold (Mexican tarragon)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Mexican marigold (Mexican tarragon)
- How far apart should I plant Mexican marigold (Mexican tarragon)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Mexican marigold (Mexican tarragon) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mexican marigold (Mexican tarragon) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mexican marigold (Mexican tarragon)?
- It tolerates about -7 °C (19 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Mexican marigold (Mexican tarragon) flower?
- From about September for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Mexican marigold (Mexican tarragon) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. ASPCA lists Tagetes marigolds as mildly irritating to pets (gut and skin); this species is assumed to behave similarly.
- What grows well with Mexican marigold (Mexican tarragon)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mexican marigold (Mexican tarragon). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Flowers in autumn under short days; frost-tender above zone 8 and often lost in cold winters. 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.
Related plants
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- 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