How to Grow French Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa
French tarragon is a fragrant perennial herb prized for its unique anise-like flavor that elevates salads, sauces, and meats. Gardeners cultivate this variety primarily to harvest fresh leaves year-round in temperate climates or as an annual in warmer regions.
📷 Wikipedia: TarragonStarting French Tarragon: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — French Tarragon is not usually started indoors.
Because this herb is propagated from cuttings rather than sown as seed, you plant rooted cuttings directly outdoors once the soil has warmed up in spring.
Soil, care & harvest
Since French tarragon is typically grown from cuttings rather than seed, you do not sow seeds indoors before the last frost. If starting from a cutting, take it now and root it in moist soil. Ensure your planting site has full sun and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. While germination data is unavailable for cuttings, they usually root within weeks under warm conditions.
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to ensure good air circulation. This herb does not require staking or trellising as it grows upright on its own. Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between sessions to prevent root rot. Apply a light layer of mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds without smothering the shallow roots.
Watch for spider mites and aphids, which thrive in hot, dry weather; spray with water or insecticidal soap if needed. Avoid wetting foliage to prevent powdery mildew and root rot caused by poor drainage. Harvest leaves once the plant is established, roughly 60 to 90 days after planting cuttings. Snip stems just above a leaf node to encourage bushy growth.
When to Plant French Tarragon
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
Companion Plants for French Tarragon
✓ Good companions
Deters cabbage moths and imported cabbage worms that damage brassicas
Tarragon repels cabbage worms and cabbage loopers while attracting beneficial insects
Complementary pest control as chives repel aphids while tarragon deters other insects
Helps repel flea beetles and other pests that damage eggplant foliage
Both plants repel nematodes and various garden pests when grown together
Both herbs have similar growing requirements and tarragon helps repel carrot flies
Tarragon deters aphids and spider mites that commonly attack pepper plants
Tarragon repels tomato hornworms and other pests while improving tomato flavor
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone toxin that is harmful to tarragon and most other herbs
Inhibits tarragon growth through allelopathic compounds and competes for nutrients
Aggressive spreader that can overwhelm tarragon and alter soil conditions
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
