How to Grow Spanish Tarragon

Spanish Tarragon

Tagetes lucida

herb

Spanish tarragon is a warm-season perennial herb native to Mexico with feathery, finely-divided foliage and small yellow flowers. It has a subtle anise-like flavor similar to French tarragon but is more heat- and drought-tolerant. The plant is also known as Mexican tarragon or sweet myrtle.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial afternoon shade in very hot climates

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Water: Moderate watering; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. More drought-tolerant than French tarragon once established. Reduce watering in winter.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days from transplant to first harvest

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Planting depth: 1/4 inch for seeds; transplants at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil

pH: 6.5-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Balanced slow-release fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9-11; grown as an annual or container plant in cooler zones

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with first true leaves appearing; very delicate at this stage

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Bushy plant developing feathery, fine-textured foliage; no flowers yet

Pinch back stem tips regularly to encourage bushier growth. Begin light harvesting of leaves. Water when top inch of soil is dry.

Flowering

4-8 weeks (starts fall)

Small yellow button-like flowers bloom at stem tips; foliage becomes slightly coarser

Deadhead spent flowers to prolong leaf production. Flavor may become slightly stronger. Continue harvesting leaves as needed.

Seed Development

2-3 weeks

Flowers fade to small seed pods; plant may slow leaf growth

Allow some flowers to remain if saving seeds. Otherwise deadhead to redirect energy to foliage. Reduce watering slightly.

Dormancy/Overwintering

3-4 months

In zones 9-11, plant slows growth; in colder zones, plant dies back and should be moved indoors or grown as annual

Reduce watering significantly. Cut back foliage by half in late fall. In containers, move indoors to cool location (50-60°F). Minimal feeding.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Cilantro Marjoram Thyme Sage Rosemary Tomatoes Peppers

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Wormwood

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity around plant.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly as needed.
Spray with strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations.
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering. Remove affected plants and improve soil aeration.

Uses

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Anise-flavored cooking

Culinary

Spanish tarragon leaves are used fresh or dried to season soups, sauces, fish, poultry, and vegetables. It has a milder, sweeter anise flavor than French tarragon and is excellent in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. [source]

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Herbal tea and beverages

Culinary

Fresh or dried leaves can be steeped to make a pleasant anise-scented tea with mild digestive properties. Commonly used in traditional Mexican cuisine for beverages. [source]

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Traditional digestive remedy

Medicinal

In traditional Mexican and Indigenous medicine, Spanish tarragon has been used to support digestion and relieve stomach discomfort. Contains beneficial volatile compounds. [source]

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Natural insect repellent

Household

The plant's aromatic oils make it useful as a natural insect deterrent when dried and placed in sachets or grown near outdoor seating areas. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin light harvesting once plant is 6-8 inches tall, pinching off top 1-2 inches of stems. Harvest regularly to encourage bushiness. Best harvested in morning after dew dries. Leaves are most flavorful just before flowering. In zones 9-11, harvest can continue year-round in milder winters. Cut stems back by one-third every 3-4 weeks.

Fun Facts

🌱 Spanish tarragon (Tagetes lucida) is often called 'Mexican tarragon' and was used by the Aztecs as both a culinary herb and in ceremonial practices.
🌱 Unlike French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), Spanish tarragon produces viable seeds and is much easier to propagate, making it ideal for gardeners in hot climates.
🌱 The plant is notably more heat- and drought-tolerant than its European cousin French tarragon, thriving in hot, dry conditions where French tarragon struggles or dies.

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