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Herbaceous PerennialHerbs - Culinary

Tagetes lucida

sweet mace

A tender, bushy perennial, often grown as an annual, up to 75cm high. Its aromatic, glossy green, linear leaves, to 7.5cm long, are used as a tarragon substitute in Mexican cooking. Clusters of small, golden-yellow flowers are borne in late summer and autumn

Other common names
death flower
sweet-scented marigold
see moresweet-scented Mexican marigold

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Gold Yellow Green
Autumn Gold Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Leaves may cause skin irritation. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Tagetes can be annuals or perennials of upright growth, with strongly aromatic pinnately divided leaves and showy daisy-like, single or double flower-heads in summer and autumn

Name status

Unresolved

Plant range
S America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained soil in full sun; protect from frost if grown as a perennial

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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