Growing French tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

(Best months for growing French tarragon in Australia - temperate 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 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 40 - 60 cm 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
20 Feb 22, Wendy Strathearn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am making a calendar for my potting shed wall., from your website, thank you for that. Just a quick question, you have French Taragon, plant out seedlings from Sept to Jan, however, there is no instructions for Sowing Seed. I am assuming it would be sow seed August, then Sept sow seed and plant out etc etc. Have i guessed correctly? Thank you Wendy Strathearn
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21 Feb 22, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Wendy, The catch with French tarragon is that it doesn't produce many seeds and 'Tarragon' seeds sold commercially will almost certainly be Russian tarragon. If you are lucky enough to have genuine French tarragon seeds, then your plan for growing them is suitable.
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13 Oct 20, Mrs Roland (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy french tarragon in Victoria
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12 Apr 20, Sarina (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy French tarragon plants or seeds now (April)?
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26 Oct 20, Alan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try Allrareherbs ... just received 3 x French...excellent service, but get them to send on a Monday so they will not spend weekend in a post office
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14 Apr 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
French tarragon should be grown from cuttings. Seeds are usually Russian tarragon, which is not such a good flavour.
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16 Feb 20, Cassie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I grow mine in a big pot that gets 5-6hrs sun in summer. Yes it seems to grow as a prostrate plant, not upright. Before first frost, i cut it right back (and stuff all excess stemms in bottles of white wine vinegar), put a light sugar cane mulch over the plant and drag the pot under the eaves to mitigate against our deep frosts. 4 years surviving so far. Will try propagating cuttings this year
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06 Jan 19, adrian (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Is it possible for French Tarragon to survive in Brisbane's climate? If so what special things if any should to do?
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06 Jan 19, Mike Logan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read the notes here it tells you how to look after it in sub tropical climate.
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12 Dec 18, Derek (New Zealand - temperate climate)
my french tarragon took off like a rocket in early spring, now has dwindled away. Should I spread and replant what's left of the tubers, or wait and hope for next spring?
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Russion tarragon doesn't have much flavour

- Chris

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