Tagetes lucida
sweet mace
T. lucida is 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
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Gold Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Gold Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- 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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