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How to Grow Tarragon: A Guide to This Flavorful Herb

Tarragon in the garden
Botanical Name
Artemisia dracunculus
Grown as
Perennial
USDA Zones
4a
4b
5a
5b
6a
6b
7a
7b
8a
8b
Toxicity
Toxic to Dogs and Cats
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Partial Sun
Water Needs
Moderate
Height
1–3 feet
Spread
1–3 feet
Soil pH
Neutral
Special Features
Container-Friendly
Fragrant
Low Maintenance
Deer-resistant
Rabbit-resistant
Resilience
Cold Hardy
Drought-Tolerant
Plant Type
Herbs
Written By: Jennifer Keating Digital Editor
Almanac Guide to Herbs

Looking to add a little French flair to your garden—and your dinner plate? Say “bonjour” to tarragon! This elegant herb, known for its subtle licorice-like flavor, is a culinary favorite and a charming addition to any herb patch. Whether you’re dreaming of homemade Béarnaise sauce or just want to spice up your roasted chicken, growing your own tarragon is easier than you think. Let’s dig into the delightful world of tarragon—no passport required.

There are two main types of tarragon available: French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus sativa) and Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides). French tarragon is the more prized variety, boasting the classic licorice flavor most associated with the herb. However, unlike its Russian counterpart, French tarragon doesn’t produce viable seeds and is typically propagated through division or cuttings. Russian tarragon, on the other hand, readily grows from seed and has a milder licorice taste.

For cooking, use French tarragon. Russian tarragon can easily be mistaken for French, but Russian tarragon is coarser and less flavorful than French tarragon.

Companion Planting Bonus: Consider planting tarragon near tomatoes, rosemary, or sage. These herbs are said to improve each other’s flavor. Learn more about companion planting.

Planting

While Russian tarragon can be easily started from seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, French tarragon is best propagated from divisions or cuttings obtained from a mature plant. 

Where to Plant Tarragon

Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Tarragon thrives in drier conditions and won’t tolerate soggy roots. Tarragon isn’t fussy about soil but prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil (pH 6.5-7.5). Amending your planting area with some compost is beneficial.

When to Plant Tarragon

If using divisions or cuttings, plant them in the spring after the last frost danger has passed. Space plants 24 inches apart. The plants should grow to around 2 or 3 feet in height.

For seeds, sow them indoors in pots filled with a seed-starting mix and transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening them off.

Growing

Tarragon is a relatively low-maintenance herb. To help keep your plants healthy, divide them every 3 to 4 years in the spring or fall. New plants can grow from stem cuttings or root cuttings.

Here are some basic tips for keeping your plant happy and thriving.

Watering Tarragon

Water regularly during the first growing season, especially during hot and dry spells. Once established, tarragon is drought tolerant and requires minimal watering.

Fertilizing Tarragon

Avoid overfertilizing, as this can diminish the flavor of the leaves. A light application of compost in the spring is sufficient.

Pruning Tarragon

Regularly harvest the leaves throughout the growing season to encourage bushier growth. Pinch off any flower buds that appear to maintain optimal flavor. Be sure to prune the plant regularly to prevent flowering and to keep the height to around 2 feet (otherwise, the plant will fall over).

Overwintering Tarragon

If you live in a colder climate, be sure to put mulch around the plants in late fall in order to protect the roots during the winter.

Harvesting

Feel free to harvest tarragon leaves throughout the growing season. The best flavor comes from young, tender leaves, so snip them just above a node (leaf joint) to encourage new growth. 

Tarragon pairs beautifully with chicken, fish, egg dishes, and sauces. It’s also a wonderful addition to marinades and vinaigrettes. 

Preserving Tarragon

To preserve your harvest, you can dry the leaves or freeze them for later use. If left to dry for too long, though, the leaves lose their flavor, so be careful. As soon as the leaves are dry, store them in airtight containers. Learn how to preserve herbs.

Pests and Problems

Types

  • French tarragon, which goes great with meats, poultry, and seafood

Wit and Wisdom

Put tarragon in your shoes before a long walk to give you strength.

Herbs

About The Author

Jennifer Keating

Jennifer Keating

Digital Editor

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at The Old Farmer’s Almanac. She is an active equestrian and spends much of her free time at the barn. When she’s not riding, she loves caring for her extensive collecti...

Read more from Jennifer Keating

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Comments

<span>Kate</span> Sat, 07/27/2024 - 13:53
I live in zone 5, Southern Finland. My French tarragon stays out all winter, even at -25C. I don't cover it with anything and it's one of the first plants up every Spring. There's no reason to coddle it. It doesn't need fertilizer. I barely water it. It's about as independent a herb as you could ever hope for.
<span>Hamid</span> Sun, 02/05/2023 - 16:18
what to feed tarragon ?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Tue, 02/07/2023 - 09:28

Use a standard fertilizer made for foliar (leaf) growth. A "balanced" fertilizer will do.

 <span>Jinx</span> Sun, 05/17/2015 - 23:11
I just started growing FrenchTarragon in a pot a month ago, but lately i noticed that the leaves on the bottom started to dry. And some of the stems turns yellow. What shall i do with that?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Wed, 07/20/2016 - 16:08

The only real disease that troubles tarragon is rust. What you described are not symptoms of rust. I suspect it is a water-related issue. It may need a little more than you are giving it. When you water, give it a good soak, then let it dry out before soaking it again (versus frequent shallow watering).

 <span>Vivencio D. De…</span> Tue, 07/19/2016 - 23:23
My comment is like submitted by jink last May 17, 2015, why this happened?? thanks I hope you can answer and advised.
<span>Joseph Blair</span> Wed, 04/15/2015 - 15:45
I grew tarragon from seed and used a florescent tube growing light.
<span>Jrsweig</span> Sun, 06/29/2014 - 19:10
Your probably growing Russian tarragon if you grew it from seed, not french, which has a better flavor...Russian tarragon is pretty much a weed
<span>Ej Thomas</span> Tue, 06/10/2014 - 23:15
is it safe to eat tarragon buds and flowers?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Wed, 06/11/2014 - 10:53

Hi, EJ: Like who knows how many things these days, tarragon has been found to possibly have carcinogenic and/or mutagenic effects in the lab (animals). The jury is still out, but it is very probable that even if this is true, you would have to ingest huge amounts of tarragon at every meal for the rest of your life (however abbreviated it may or may not be!) in order to be harmed. You do what you want. We eat them!