Tagetes lucida seeds – ( Sweet Scented marigold, Mexican tarragon)

Description

Picture thanks to https://www.wildgardenseeds.com

 

This attractive plant grows into a small bush about 1 m tall eventually. Its leaves have a tarragon scent and are a glossy green.  It is traditionally used for making tea and also for seasoning, but the small bright yellow flowers which are produced abundantly can also be used as a fragrant cut flower, and used for dye. It attracts birds and butterflies.

 

Sowing advice

Sow the seeds on the surface of  moist seed raising mix , indoors, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. The seeds require light to germinate so dont cover them, just press them a little into the soil and keep moist.  Germination takes about 2 weeks at 20 deg C.