1 Starter Live Plant Mexican Tarragon Tagetes lucida Anise Ship bare roots, no pots Tagetes lucida Cav. is a perennial plant native to Mexico and Central America. It is used as a medicinal plant and as a culinary herb. The leaves have a tarragon-like flavor, with hints of anise, and it has entered the nursery trade in North America as a tarragon substitute. Plant tarragon in spring after the last frost. This flavorful plant grows well in both in-ground gardens and containers. Space tarragon plants 18 to 24 inches apart in partial shade to full sun with fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Before planting, get your soil right by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter. Encourage excellent growth by regularly feeding with a water-soluble plant food. Even though tarragon is drought-tolerant, check soil moisture every few days and water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Once your plants are established, harvest sprigs once they are large enough for use.