Mexican Mint Marigold in Zone 9a & 9b
Tagetes lucida
Yes, Mexican mint marigold grows in zones 9a and 9b. Start seeds indoors Dec 28–Jan 4 and plant out Feb 22–Mar 1.
When to plant Mexican mint marigold in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Dec 28–Jan 4 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 22–Mar 1 |
| Estimated harvest | May 8–May 15 (~75 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 9b
These go outside within two weeks of Mexican mint marigold in zone 9b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMar 1–Mar 8
- BorageFeb 15–Feb 22
- RosemaryMar 1–Mar 8
- DillFeb 8–Feb 15
- Citronella Plant (Mosquito Plant)Feb 22–Mar 1
- Garlic Chives (Chinese Leeks)Feb 22–Mar 1
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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. Mexican mint marigold needs about 75 days from transplant to first harvest.
Mexican Mint Marigold planting windows in every zone
Zone 9b 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 | Feb 4–Feb 11 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Jun 15–Jun 22 |
| 9a & 9b (your zone) | 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 9b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Mexican Mint Marigold in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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