Botanical Name: Tagetes lucida
Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)

What We're Growing:
We grow Mexican mint marigold for its glossy green leaves, golden blossoms, and sweet, anise-like aroma. Sometimes called “Texas tarragon,” it thrives in heat where traditional French tarragon struggles — making it ideal for Southern gardens.

How We Use It:
We use the fresh leaves as a tarragon substitute in vinaigrettes, herbal butters, teas, and honey infusions. The flowers are edible and make a bright, herbal addition to salads and garnishes. Both flowers and leaves are used medicinally in traditional Mesoamerican herbalism.

Why It’s Good for You:
Mexican mint marigold has natural antifungal, antimicrobial, and digestive-soothing properties. It’s traditionally used to calm the stomach, reduce bloating, and ease anxiety. As a mild nervine, it supports the nervous system without sedation.

In traditional medicine, it’s also used to support menstrual comfort, respiratory clarity, and as a mood-uplifting herb during times of grief or fatigue.

In the Garden:
This hardy perennial thrives in full sun, lean soil, and dry conditions. It blooms into late fall, supports pollinators, and helps repel certain soil-borne pests. It’s also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance — perfect for regenerative companion planting.

Fun Fact:
In indigenous Mexican herbalism, Tagetes lucida has been used in ceremonial incense and tea blends to calm the spirit, aid digestion, and mildly elevate the mood — earning it a reputation as a sacred and healing herb.