{"product_id":"black-mint-seeds-tagetes-minuta-huacatay-wild-marigold-peruvian-black-mint-andean-culinary-herb-south-american-native","title":"Black Mint Seeds ~Tagetes minuta~ Huacatay ~ Wild Marigold ~ Peruvian Black Mint ~ Andean Culinary Herb ~ South American Native","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"content-toggle-product-details-read-more\" class=\"wt-content-toggle__body wt-content-toggle__body--truncated wt-content-toggle__body--truncated-02\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n        \u003cp data-product-details-description-text-content=\"\" class=\"wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word\"\u003e\n            Black Mint (Tagetes minuta), known throughout the Andes as huacatay, is a towering herb that defies expectations. Though part of the marigold family, this 6-foot giant bears little resemblance to its ornamental cousins. Instead, it's prized for its intense, complex aroma and essential role in Peruvian and other South American cuisines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe finely divided foliage releases a unique fragrance - a sophisticated blend of citrus, mint, basil, and tropical fruit notes that has made it indispensable in traditional cooking. Small yellow flowers appear late in the season atop tall, branching stems, but it's the aromatic leaves that are the true treasure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCultivation: Sow seeds directly after last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier. Prefers full sun and well-draining soil but adapts to most conditions. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Quick growing, seedlings emerge in 7-14 days and plants can reach full height in a single season.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor best results, plant where its impressive height can be accommodated. Essential in South American cooking, particularly in Peru, where the leaves are used fresh or dried to create the distinctive black mint sauce, huacatay, that accompanies many traditional dishes. Young leaves can be harvested throughout the season.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNote: May self-seed readily in favorable conditions - consider deadheading if spread is not desired.\n        \u003c\/p\u003e\n        \n    \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sjctradeservices","offers":[{"title":"50 Seeds","offer_id":50421087830209,"sku":"3854DBN","price":1.88,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0859\/2592\/0961\/files\/Output_247.jpg?v=1784538682","url":"https:\/\/sjctradeservicesllc.com\/products\/black-mint-seeds-tagetes-minuta-huacatay-wild-marigold-peruvian-black-mint-andean-culinary-herb-south-american-native","provider":"Sjctradeservices","version":"1.0","type":"link"}