How to Grow Tarragon

Tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus

herb

Tarragon is a perennial herb prized for its delicate, slightly anise-like flavor and aromatic foliage. It's a key component of French cuisine and grows as an upright, slender-leafed plant that reaches 24-36 inches tall. The herb is sensitive to cold and performs best in temperate climates with good drainage.

Looking for a specific variety?

French Tarragon Russian Tarragon Spanish Tarragon

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

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Water: Moderate; water when top inch of soil is dry. Prefers drier conditions once established. Reduce watering in winter. Avoid waterlogging, which causes root rot.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable for perennial; ready to harvest in 3-4 months from transplant

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Planting depth: 1/4 inch for seeds; transplants at same depth as pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost perlite sand for drainage aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 4-9, with winter protection in zones 3-4

3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings with narrow, delicate leaves emerge 10-14 days after planting. Growth is slow and tender during this stage.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart. Maintain 70°F optimal temperature.

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Plant develops multiple slender stems with thin, lance-shaped leaves. Height increases to 6-12 inches. Foliage becomes fuller and more aromatic.

Reduce watering frequency as plant matures. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced, dilute fertilizer. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth.

Established Plant

Ongoing (years 2+)

Mature plant reaches full height of 24-36 inches with dense foliage. Stems become slightly woody at base. Plant is fully winter-hardy for its zone.

Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings. Fertilize once monthly if desired. Provide winter mulch in zones 3-5. Cut back stems annually in early spring.

Flowering

6-8 weeks in summer

Small, inconspicuous greenish-white or pale yellow flowers appear on terminal spikes in summer. Flowering can diminish leaf quality.

Pinch or deadhead flowers to redirect energy to foliage production. Many gardeners remove flower buds to maintain leaf flavor and tenderness.

Dormancy

3-4 months (varies by zone)

In fall and winter, above-ground growth slows or dies back. Root system remains dormant but alive underground in perennial varieties.

Cut back dead stems to 1-2 inches above soil line in late fall. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch (straw, leaves) for insulation in cold zones. Reduce watering significantly.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Chervil Parsley Chives Thyme Marjoram Cabbage Carrots Beets

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Cilantro (competes for similar growing conditions)

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity around plant.
Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
and
Hand-pick in early morning; use beer traps or diatomaceous earth. Remove debris where they hide.
Prevent by ensuring excellent drainage. Do not overwater. Remove and discard affected plants. Improve soil aeration.

Uses

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French cooking & sauces

Culinary

Tarragon is essential in French cuisine, used in béarnaise sauce, vinaigrettes, and classic French herb blends. Its subtle anise flavor complements fish, chicken, eggs, and vegetables beautifully. [source]

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Flavored vinegars & oils

Culinary

Fresh tarragon steeped in vinegar or oil creates aromatic condiments used for cooking and salad dressings. The volatile oils infuse quickly into liquid mediums. [source]

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Digestive & appetite support

Medicinal

Traditionally used to stimulate appetite and aid digestion. Tarragon tea may help with indigestion and flatulence due to its aromatic compounds. [source]

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Herbal tea

Household

Dried tarragon leaves brewed into a light, aromatic tea offer a delicate flavor and mild digestive benefits. Use 1 teaspoon dried leaves per cup of hot water. [source]

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Dried herb arrangements & potpourri

Craft

Dried tarragon sprigs retain their delicate structure and subtle fragrance, making them suitable for dried flower arrangements and herbal potpourri blends. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Pinch or cut leaves regularly once plant is 6 inches tall to encourage bushier growth and discourage flowering. Harvest in early morning after dew dries for best flavor. Cut sprigs from the top; the plant regenerates from the base. Do not harvest more than one-third of the plant at once. For drying, cut stems just before flower buds open, when oil content is highest. Fresh leaves are more flavorful than dried.

Fun Facts

🌱 French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa) is the preferred culinary variety and cannot be grown from seed; it must be propagated by cuttings or root division. Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. inodora) grows from seed but has inferior flavor.
🌱 The name 'tarragon' derives from the Old French 'estragon,' which comes from the Arabic 'tarkhon,' meaning 'little dragon'—possibly because the roots resemble a dragon or because it was believed to cure dragon bites.
🌱 Tarragon was not widely cultivated until the 16th century in Europe, when it was introduced through Spain by Moorish traders, and it became a staple of French royal cuisine.

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