How to Grow Spanish Tarragon
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Spanish Tarragon
Tagetes lucida
herbSpanish 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.
When should you plant Spanish Tarragon in your zone?
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Example Spanish Tarragon timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Spanish Tarragon
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Spanish Tarragon
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Spanish Tarragon dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; grown as an annual or container plant in cooler zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny 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 weeksBushy 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 weeksFlowers 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 monthsIn 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.
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity around plant.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly as needed.
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Spray with strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations.
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering. Remove affected plants and improve soil aeration.
Uses
Anise-flavored cooking
CulinarySpanish 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]
Herbal tea and beverages
CulinaryFresh 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]
Traditional digestive remedy
MedicinalIn traditional Mexican and Indigenous medicine, Spanish tarragon has been used to support digestion and relieve stomach discomfort. Contains beneficial volatile compounds. [source]
Natural insect repellent
HouseholdThe 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]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe 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.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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