Welcome to Evogro Explains – our new series unpacking the herbs and microgreens loved by the UK’s top kitchens, in a bitesize format.

First up: Mexican Marigold — a fragrant, flavourful plant that brings unexpected complexity to your plate. We’re going to break down the basics of what exactly Mexican Marigold is, how it provides value in the kitchen, and some lesser-known facts. Let’s dive in.

What is Mexican Marigold?

Known botanically as Tagetes Minuta, this aromatic plant is native to Mexico and South America, but has made its way across the globe thanks to its distinctive sweet-citrus scent and versatility in the kitchen.

Also called huacatay, apple marigold or Peruvian marigold, its feathery green leaves release a fruity aroma has a very subjective flavour depending on your palate. Some say it has notes of citrus or mint, and others say it’s closer to apple or even pineapple. Either way, it’s an intensely flavourful herb that works well in savoury dishes, infusions, or as a delicate finishing touch.

What notes of flavour do you get? We’d love to know! 

Why grow it with Evogro?

Despite its many uses, Mexican Marigold is rarely found at high quality through traditional suppliers. As Chris Cleghorn, Executive Chef at The Olive Tree in Bath, puts it:

“Mexican marigold isn’t a mass-produced herb. There are only very small suppliers that actually grow it. What that allows us to do by growing it ourselves is use something that many others can’t… You can never question what the difference of quality is going to be.”

By growing it with Evogro, chefs gain full control over quality, size, and harvest timing. Whether you prefer its subtle, tender microleaves or its bold, dagger-shaped mature form, you can dial in the exact finish you want — no compromise, no wastage.

How chefs are using it

Mexican Marigold has a long history of culinary and aromatic use across the globe. In Peru, the herb (known as huacatay) is used to make a traditional paste for dishes like ocopa, a popular potato-based recipe. The dried leaves are also brewed into herbal teas, and an extract known as marigold oil is used in the perfume, tobacco, and soft drink industries thanks to its strong, citrus-mint aroma.

In our own community, chefs have used Mexican Marigold in a variety of creative ways. One customer uses it to infuse small-batch gin, while others feature it more conventionally — for example, as part of a Cornish Kern Cheese Raviolo with Vin Jaune Sauce, Black Winter Truffle, and Coco di Pampiol. At The Olive Tree in Bath, Executive Chef Chris Cleghorn harvests it regularly as part of his menu, highlighting its distinctive flavour and the fact that it’s nearly impossible to source at high quality without the ability to grow it yourself.

With Evogro, chefs can choose exactly when to harvest based on the flavour or visual effect they want — from subtle microleaves to larger, dramatic dagger-shaped foliage. It’s an incredibly versatile herb that adds a unique touch to both savoury and sweet dishes, giving chefs an edge with something rarely found on

And when you’re growing it live in your Evogro, those incredible flavours stay locked in until the very last moment — harvested seconds before plating.

Did you know?

• It’s not your average marigold – It’s part of the daisy family and is much more aromatic than the common bedding plant.

• Intensely aromatic – When crushed, the leaves release a sweet pineapple-citrus scent.

• Traditionally used in South American cooking – Especially in Peruvian sauces and pastes.

• Naturally pest-repellent – Though you won’t need that in your Evogro unit!

• Flexible harvest stages – Choose small for delicacy, or large for visual impact.

Ultimately, Mexican Marigold offers chefs a way to stand out — a bold, beautiful ingredient that few others are using, simply because it’s so hard to source fresh. With Evogro, that barrier disappears.

Want to add something truly unique to your menu?

Contact our support team to add Mexican Marigold to your next harvest. Still not using this revolutionary plant growing system? Book a free consultation today and we’ll show you how easy it is to grow rare herbs like Mexican Marigold in your kitchen. Samples available on request.