MEXICAN TARRAGON GROWING INFORMATION   © Frances Michaels   Botanical Name: Tagetes lucida Common Name: Mexican Tarragon also known as Sweet Mace, Winter Tarragon,  Cloud Plant & Sweet Marigold Family: Asteraceae Plant Description: An easy to grow perennial that is native to Mexico. It prefers a position in full sun and a deep, fertile soil. This herb grows to 70 cm and produces a cluster of erect stems with linear leaves that are 4 cm long and 1 cm wide. The bright golden yellow flowers, 1 cm across, occur in clusters of up to 15 at the top of the plant in summer. The flowers will continue into autumn if the dead flowers are continuously removed. The leaves have a distinct aniseed scent and flavour which is similar to French Tarragon but much stronger. In frost-free areas the plant will continue to grow into winter. Uses: Food; it can be used sparingly as a substitute for French Tarragon in any recipe. It also makes a great herb vinegar for use in salad dressing. Simply fill a 2 litre glass bottle with a large quantity of leaves, cover with wine vinegar and leave for 3 weeks. Strain into glass bottles and add a flowering sprig of Mexican Tarragon for decoration. Medicine; Mexican Tarragon was used as medicine by the Aztec people. It was dedicated to Tlaloc, the deity of rain and lightning. This god was responsible for the ‘water’ illnesses of gout, cold, oedema and rheumatism. Little pharmacological research has been done on this plant, but what little has been done suggests it may help relieve headaches and colds. CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS Recommended Planting Time: Early spring by seed or division. Planting Depth: Cover base of crown with soil, firm down. Details: Cut back hard after flowering to promote new growth.      Available from Green Harvest: Year round as seed   DISCLAIMER: We guarantee our seeds to the value of the purchase price. We are happy to replace the seeds, give you a credit or refund, whichever you prefer. Other than our guarantee to the extent of the purchase price Green Harvest gives no other warranty expressed or implied. No liability will be accepted by Green Harvest, its owners or employees as to the accuracy of any information. No responsibility will be taken for damage to property or persons due to information given about a product or technique. No responsibility will be taken for the loss of a crop or income due to information given about a product or technique.   Copyright © 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008  Green Harvest No part of this website may be reproduced without permission of the owner