Mexican Mint Marigold in Zone 8a & 8b
Tagetes lucida
Yes, Mexican mint marigold grows in zones 8a and 8b. Start seeds indoors Feb 4–Feb 11 and plant out Apr 1–Apr 8.
When to plant Mexican mint marigold in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Feb 4–Feb 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 1–Apr 8 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 15–Jun 22 (~75 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 8b
These go outside within two weeks of Mexican mint marigold in zone 8b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilApr 8–Apr 15
- BorageMar 25–Apr 1
- RosemaryApr 8–Apr 15
- DillMar 18–Mar 25
- CatmintApr 1–Apr 8
- Citronella Plant (Mosquito Plant)Apr 1–Apr 8
Mexican mint marigold is a tender perennial herb whose anise-scented leaves stand in for French tarragon, a plant that struggles badly in hot, humid climates where this one thrives instead.
How Mexican mint marigold fits zone 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. Mexican mint marigold needs about 75 days from transplant to first harvest.
Mexican Mint Marigold planting windows in every zone
Zone 8b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8a & 8b (your zone) | Feb 4–Feb 11 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Jun 15–Jun 22 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 28–Jan 4 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | May 8–May 15 |
| 10a & 10b | Dec 12–Dec 19 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | Apr 22–Apr 29 |
| 11a & 11b | Nov 13–Nov 20 | Jan 8–Jan 15 | Mar 24–Mar 31 |
Harvest dates are about 75 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for Mexican mint marigold.
Where to buy Mexican mint marigold seeds
None of the seed suppliers we list carries Mexican mint marigold seeds right now. A local garden center or a specialty seed house is the place to look.
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing Mexican mint marigold" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 8b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Mexican Mint Marigold in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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