Southwestern Deserts
August, 2011
Regional Report
Favorite or New Plant
Mexican Tarragon or Mexican Mint Marigold
Tagetes lucida is a fragrant herbaceous perennial that is an anise-flavored substitute for French tarragon, which does not grow well in the low desert. Mexican tarragon blooms fall into winter, covered with tiny marigold-like flowers that attract butterflies. It takes full sun but does better with protection from hot afternoon sun at low desert elevations. It typically dies back with cold weather but rebounds in spring. Cut back dead stalks to the ground in late winter/early spring.
Clever Gardening Technique
Choose One Corn
Sow only one type of corn during each growing season. Otherwise, wind-pollination will cause varieties to cross with each other.
