Tagetes Lucida - Mexican Mint Marigold

Characteristics:An unusual 30-inch-high marigold grown for its licorice-flavored leaves. As a bonus, you'll get pretty but small yellow flowers in fall.

Growing Information: Mexican mint marigold thrives in hot weather and needs a long, warm growing season to be most productive. Plant it in well-drained soil and full sun after the last spring frost. Space plants 12 inches apart. Pinch occasionally for bushier plants. In cold climates, you can bring the plants indoors to a warm, bright location in winter.

Propagation: In cold climates, start the seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last spring frost. You can also start new plants from cuttings.

Possible Problems: None serious.

Harvesting and Using: Harvest individual leaves or sprigs as needed. Use them in any dish calling for tarragon or other anise-flavored herbs, or in teas and potpourri.

Related Herbs: Signet marigolds (T. tenuifolia) include citrus-scented 'Lemon Gem' and 'Orange Gem' cultivars. They have delicate, fragrant leaves and small yellow or orange flowers.