100 Seeds Black Mint Huacatay Tagetes minuta Aromatic Culinary Herb

Black Mint Huacatay, botanically known as Tagetes minuta, is a fast-growing aromatic herb prized for its bold, complex scent and its long history of culinary use in South American cooking. Also called Peruvian black mint or huacatay, this vigorous annual produces tall stems clothed in finely cut, deep green leaves that release a distinctive fragrance when brushed or crushed. Gardeners value it for its rapid growth, easy culture, and the generous harvests it provides through the warm season, making it a rewarding choice for herb beds, borders, and container plantings. Its assertive flavor is traditionally used to season sauces, stews, and grilled dishes, and the foliage can be enjoyed fresh or dried for later use.

Huacatay grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in warm conditions and responding quickly to regular moisture during establishment. Plants reach maturity in a single season and can be harvested repeatedly by snipping leaves as needed, encouraging bushy new growth. The finely textured foliage mixes well with vegetables and other herbs, and the flowers attract beneficial insects to the garden. Allow some stems to flower and set seed if you wish to save seed for the following year. This listing offers a generous quantity of seeds suitable for starting indoors or direct sowing once the soil has warmed.
Species: Tagetes minuta
Variety: Black Mint Huacatay
Type: Annual herb
Plant_Habit: Upright, bushy
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile
Days_to_Harvest: 60-90
Zones: 5-11
Germination: 7-14 days at 65-75F
Sowing: Surface sow, lightly cover, keep moist
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Notes: Harvest leaves as needed through the season