Tarragon

Tarragon (Tagetes lucida) – 4–5 Inch Pot
Available in Jupiter, FL. at Urban Abundance.

Sweet, anise-scented, and beautifully upright—Tarragon is a fragrant favorite in herb gardens and gourmet kitchens alike. While traditional French Tarragon struggles in Florida, we grow the heat-tolerant Mexican Tarragon, also known as Tagetes lucida, which mimics the flavor with extra resilience. A member of the Asteraceae family, Tarragon is a warm-season perennial herb that thrives through South Florida’s dry and wet seasons with just a bit of care.

Sold in a 4–5 inch pot, this versatile herb doubles as a culinary ingredient and a pollinator-attracting garden beauty.

Sunlight Needs: Full sun to light shade. 6+ hours of direct sun keeps the plant compact and flavorful.
Watering Needs: Moderate. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. Drought-tolerant once established.
Soil Requirements: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. Ideal pH: 6.0–7.0.
Growth Habit: Upright, shrubby herb with narrow leaves. Grows 18–30 inches tall.
Harvest Timing: Begin harvesting 3–4 weeks after transplant. Snip stems early in the day for peak oils.
Heat Tolerance: Excellent. One of the few herbs that thrives through South Florida’s summers.
Special Features:

• Flavor mimics French tarragon with notes of licorice and anise

• Edible golden flowers in late summer

• Attracts bees and butterflies

• Pest- and disease-resistant

• Can be grown in-ground or containers

South Florida Notes: Mexican Tarragon thrives where other tarragon varieties wilt. It tolerates full sun and summer rain, making it a standout for long-season herb gardens. Prune regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent legginess.

Next steps after purchase:

• Transplant into full sun in well-draining soil

• Water moderately and avoid constant wet feet

• Trim regularly to promote compact growth

• Harvest leaves before flowering for best flavor

• Allow some flowering for pollinator support and visual appeal

This is a warm-season perennial herb—meaning it returns year after year in South Florida’s subtropical climate with a bit of seasonal pruning and care.