Tagetes lucida (Pericon; Mexican Tarragon) Plant

Description

Tagetes lucida, commonly known as Pericon or Mexican Tarragon, is a perennial herb in the marigold family (Asteraceae). It is prized for its culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. It grows 45-75 cm tall, with slender, lance-shaped leaves and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers.

Culinary uses include flavouring of soups, sauces and teas in Mexican cuisine. It has a liquorice-like, anise flavour, similar to French tarragon but stronger. Dried leaves can be added to herbal teas for a sweet, anise-like taste.

Pericon has traditionally been used in Latin America for a wide variety of ailments including gastrointestinal issues, depression and anxiety, and the common cold. It has a rich history as a sacred herb known for its protective and cleansing properties as well as its ability to stimulate visions.

Tagetes lucida was sacred to the Aztecs, who called it Yauhtli and used it in ceremonial rituals and medicinal preparations

• Common name.

Yauhtli; Texas Tarragon; Sweet Mace; Mexican Mint Marigold; Santamaria.

• Specifications.

50mm Pot Size
Seed Grown Plant

Ideal Growing Conditions.

Tagetes lucida is a sub-tropical, warm temperate plant. In colder climates it grows well as a perennial, though it may die back in Winter. It prefers a full sun position with well drained soils and requires moderate watering. Light frosts may damage this species, and heavy frosts can kill it

Pruning: Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth. Remove deadhead flowers to extend blooming. Tagetes lucida can become slightly woody — cut back annually

Pests and Diseases: Tagetes lucida is generally quite resilient and low-maintenance, especially compared to many herbs. It even has mild natural pest-repelling properties. But like any plant, it can still run into a few issues. Monitor your plant for pests like aphids, scale or spider mites. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap, Eco Oil or Neem Oil

Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage.

We recommend Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day for a fertiliser, which can be found in our store, however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage.

Fertiliser: 

Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser

The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food

We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.

We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.

Interested in Tagetes? Have a look at these products

Tagetes lucida (Pericon; Mexican Tarragon) Seed

Tagetes lucida (Pericon; Mexican Tarragon) 20:1 Extract

*Traditional uses and general information on products are provided for educational purposes only. We do not make any therapeutic claims. Nothing contained in this site is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.