Benefits Of Mexican Marigold And Traditional Uses. Some say it officially started in Guatemala. A few leaves perk up a pot of chicken soup. Mexican Marigold Mint (Tagetes lucida) Even if it is difficult for us to grow tarragon here in Texas, Mother Nature has come to our rescue with the Mexico/Southwest US native, Mexican Marigold Mint. The Tagetes marigolds are used in Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexican culture, are often used as companion plants for nightshades and do have some food-related uses, including bug repellent, but I wouldn’t eat them, and there is no known benefit to the chickens if they do either. Mexican mint marigold makes an excellent substitute for this licorice flavored herb even though it is a little stronger than French tarragon and has more of an anise flavor. The medicinal herb grows in other tropical parts of the world as well. Height: 14-30 in. Tender perennial with narrow, anise-scented foliage. This semi-woody herb forms a small, upright bush that grows to be 2 to 3 feet tall. It is native to Southern and Eastern Africa. From shop TellimaFarm. They can also help reduce the number of harmful nematodes in the garden soil. Mexican mint marigold (Tagetes lucida) is a fragrant, colorful ornamental, low-maintenance garden plant, sweet-tasting culinary herb and companion plant that attracts beneficial insects and pollinators. Common uses: Companion plant In the vegetable garden Mexican mint marigold both attracts beneficials insects and detects harmful ones. MEXICAN MINT MARIGOLD : French Tarragon: Spanish Tarragon: Say the word Marigold and the bright summer flowers of annual borders and beds are brought to the mind's eye. Marigolds are famous for their ability to suppress nematode outbreaks in soil. Mexican mint marigold's finely serrated, lance-shaped leaves release their anise flavor in sauces, salads, pastas, fish and chicken dishes, vinegars, tea and hot fall cider. Salves made with marigold have long been used to treat fungal infections of the genitals, feet, eyes, mouth, skin, and also to lower hemorrhoids, anal tears and candida. Culinary Uses: Mexican mint marigold has a sweet, anise flavor. Flat-topped clusters of yellow flowers bloom in late summer. Mexican mint has many colloquial names including Spanish thyme, French thyme, Ajwain Patta, Karpooravalli, country borage, and so on. Perennial Mexican mint marigold is a great substitute for tarragon, which dislikes our hot, humid climate. Mexican Mint Marigold. Another strategy is to take 6- to 8-inch semihard cuttings from established plants in fall or early spring. Mexican mint marigold is easily propagated by division in early spring, just when it begins to send up new growth. By Rickie Wilson, Guest Blogger If you like black licorice, consider Mexican tarragon Tagetes lucida. Plant them as a cover crop to help suppress nematodes. Mexican mint marigold “medicinal uses include treatment for upset stomach, for stimulating the appetite, as a diuretic and stimulating beverage,” according to www.heirloomgardener.com. May 23, 2020 - Mexican Mint Marigold Uses. The leaves and the plant itself are good for digestion, are diuretic. Common names include Mexican marigold, pericón, Mexican mint marigold, Mexican tarragon, Spanish tarragon, Cempaxóchitl and Texas tarragon. The pretty yellow flowers can be picked and used in fresh green salads. The Mexican Mint Marigold was also used by the Huichol for its psychotropic and entheogenic effects. Plant Specifications. Also known as Mexican marigold, Mexican mint marigold, sweet mace, Texas tarragon, Spanish tarragon, sweet-scented marigold, pericon, yerbaniz and hierbanis, the herb is native to Central America and Mexico. Perennial. Mexican mint marigold is a perennial plant native to Central America, prized for both its culinary and medicinal qualities. Height 3’ Width 2’ ... Plant Uses. Mexican tarragon (Tagetes lucida), Which is native to Mexico, has been used since Aztec times both medicinally and as a flavoring in food.Its long, rich history has resulted in many nicknames such as Mexican Mint Marigold, Sweet Mace, Yerba Anise and Pericon. The plant has no persistent insect pests (an occasional grasshopper will taste a … ‘Mexican mint’ marigold is an attractive plant in the landscape, as well. The Mexican mint marigold is native to Mexico and Central America to Guatemala. Tagetes lucida. Common names: Mexican mint marigold, Mexican tarragon, Spanish tarragon, Texas tarragon Botanical names: Tagetes lucida General information: This compact perennial looks similar to marigolds, but is often listed as a substitute for French tarragon. Mexican Mint Marigold - Key Growing Information DAYS TO GERMINATION: 5-15 days SOWING: Transplant (recommended): Sow seeds 1/8" deep in soil mix 6-8 weeks before the last frost. 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