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 7b 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

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20 Apr 24, (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I was able to by tarragon plants from the Monticello Shop. Monticelloshop.org
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15 Sep 23, Donna Daniels (USA - Zone 5a climate)
I got a cutting in June. It's in my raised bed garden. The nights are cooli ng down. Should I put it in a pot and put it in the cellar? Do I stop watering it for a few months? Thank you.
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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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05 Aug 21, Robert (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
I live in Durban and am looking for a French Tarragon plant / cuttings. Any assistance with the contact details of a supplier will be greatly appreciated.
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12 Feb 21, Sonja (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Any idea who sells it in CA? Can’t find anything but Russian Tarragon! Thank you
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11 Oct 21, MaryP (USA - Zone 6a climate)
I bought mine from Territorial Seeds. They send rooted cuttings in pots.
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16 Feb 21, (USA - Zone 4a climate)
Try seed selling companies on the net.
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13 Oct 20, Mrs Roland (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy french tarragon in Victoria
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03 Oct 20, Wallis Weir (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I am looking for some French Tarragon. Can you help please.
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