Mexican Mint Marigold

Also known as Mexican Tarragon, Sweet Mace, or Spanish Tarragon. Edible golden flowers and foliage have an anise flavor, slightly hinted with citrus. Mexican Mint Marigold is used in gourmet dishes and can be substituted for French tarragon.  A tidy upright bush growing up to 24", covered with clusters of golden yellow flowers in late summer. Holds its simple bright flowers for a long time and is beautiful in herb, flower, or container gardens. Zone 8-11.  50 seeds     PLANTING Tagestes lucida  Annual  Germination: 7-10 days Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures are 70-75ºF. Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface and lightly cover Starting Indoors: Start indoors 4-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 70-75ºF soil temperature. Transplant after last frost, space 8-15" apart.  Sowing Outdoors: Starting a week or two before the last frost date into early summer. Sow a few seeds every 8-15", thin to the most robust seedlings, or sow seeds close together, 1 per inch, and when you thin the seedlings transplant them to other places in the garden.  Growth Habit: Upright Height and Width: 24” x 12-18” Spacing: 8-15" apart Light Needs:  Full sun Soil Needs:  Mexican Mint Marigold needs average, well-drained soil Approximate days to flower from seed: 80-90 days Uses: Flower beds, containers and planters Care: Water seedlings regularly until established. Pinch back plants when they are young for a bushier growth habit. Deadhead to prolong blooming. Amend soil with compost before sowing or transplanting or apply liquid fertilizer a few