Tagetes lucida

This lovely herb native to Mexico and central America is often called Mexican mint or Mexican tarragon, as the leaves can be used as a tarragon substitute in cooking.

The entire plant can be used to dye natural fibers rich golden colors, and has a long history of use across its native range. We love to using the fresh plants for eco-printing, and dried plants for immersion dyeing. If you like the smell of licorice or tarragon, you’ll love the smell of this dye bath.

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. They are perennial in zones 8-10, but we’ve had success overwintering some in 7b. Otherwise, plant as an annual. At the end of the year, cut back the entire plant to dry for future dye baths!

Packet: 200 seeds