Growing French tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

(Best months for growing French tarragon in Australia - tropical 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

25 May 10, Juan Manuel GarcĂ­a (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live in southern Mexico and I'm interested in starting to grow french tarragon and rosemary herbs. Would you possibly tell me where I can get cuttings of this two herbs. Thanks in advance and best regards
02 Jun 18, Sandra (Australia - tropical climate)
I found wonderfully healthy small plant in Bunnings for about $5
25 May 10, Elisa (Australia - tropical climate)
Can someone tell me where I can find Spanish Tarragon (as against French tarragon) to grow? I live in tropical Queensland in Australia.
21 Jan 15, Yeshe (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought from herb section of Woolworths with roots and nurtured it in the garden and now 6 months later and I have a beautiful healthy 18 inch full plant
02 May 13, John (Australia - tropical climate)
The Tarragon that I have is long stemmed with a bright yellow/orange flower. The flower has only three petals with a bunched centre. Is this Russian tarragon or French?
06 May 13, John (Australia - tropical climate)
Further to my prior comment, I have discovered my Tarragon is "Mexican" or "Texas" tarragon. Without a doubt a great herb for flavoring all types of food.
19 Aug 13, Robyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Where could I get a French Tarragon cutting? Do nurseries sell them or just the Russian variety?
02 Mar 15, patrick (Australia - temperate climate)
diggers club sells it.
18 Apr 14, Valda (Australia - temperate climate)
what's the variety of Tarragon that is sold by Woolworths, in Queensland? How does French differ front Russian?
04 Jan 18, Chris (Australia - temperate climate)
Russion tarragon doesn't have much flavour
Showing 1 - 10 of 29 comments

French tarragon should be grown from cuttings. Seeds are usually Russian tarragon, which is not such a good flavour.

- Liz

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