Growing French tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
      T                
      P P              

(Best months for growing French tarragon in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Plant cuttings or root division. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 6-8 weeks. Pick leaves when young for best flavour.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Aubergine (Eggplant) and Capsicum (Peppers)
  • New Spring growth

French tarragon a half hardy perennial herb that is native of southern Europe. It is frost tender, which may be one of the reasons that it is not particularly widely grown. French tarragon is easy to grow but rarely sets seeds. It is propagated by division, or from cuttings. Seed grown tarragon is usually Russian tarragon which does not have such a good flavour.

French tarragon must have a sunny position. The site should be sheltered from winds and winter frosts. Keep well watered in dry weather. In autumn, mulch plants with a thick layer of straw or similar, to protect it over the winter. Tarragon prefers well-drained soil which is not too high in nutrients. It will do equally well in full sun or partial shade.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating French tarragon

Tarragon goes well with fish, pork, beef, poultry, game, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and most vegetables. Can be used in cream sauces, herbed butters and vinegars, soups, sour creams, and yogurt. However, it can be overpowering in large amounts.

Your comments and tips

25 May 10, Juan Manuel García (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live in southern Mexico and I'm interested in starting to grow french tarragon and rosemary herbs. Would you possibly tell me where I can get cuttings of this two herbs. Thanks in advance and best regards
02 Jun 18, Sandra (Australia - tropical climate)
I found wonderfully healthy small plant in Bunnings for about $5
25 May 10, Elisa (Australia - tropical climate)
Can someone tell me where I can find Spanish Tarragon (as against French tarragon) to grow? I live in tropical Queensland in Australia.
21 Jan 15, Yeshe (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought from herb section of Woolworths with roots and nurtured it in the garden and now 6 months later and I have a beautiful healthy 18 inch full plant
24 Apr 12, yvonne (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
deserate to get some Tarragon - roots, seeds, whatever. Can't find it in any Cape Town nurseries. Also looking for Curry plant?
16 May 12, Nico Steinberg (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I find French Tarragon to plant in SA
14 Nov 12, ESTER BLAKE (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would like to know where I can get hold of the Tarragon Plant and/or seeds? Pleaae and thank you. I am staying in Randburg, Johannesburg.
22 Jul 13, Clive Greyling (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
I live in Hillcrest, KZN. 30km inland from Durban. I am looking for a nursary that sells French Tarragon Plants.
03 Aug 13, Piet Viljoen (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
contact me, I have some
27 Sep 13, lynn (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi,do you still have tarragon plants available?
Showing 1 - 10 of 58 comments

I have exactly the same issue and find that the taste is overpowering and bitter, and the leaves are small. It’s not as sweet as the tarragon I know. Did you find a solution?

- Ii

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