How to Grow French Tarragon

Tarragon is a classic culinary herb and a valuable addition to the herb garden. When growing it at home, the variety you are looking for is French Tarragon.

Fresh tarragon leaves have a distinctive flavour often described as slightly peppery with a mild aniseed note. It is widely used in cooking, particularly with chicken, fish, eggs and mushrooms. Because the flavour is best when the herb is freshly picked, growing your own plant is the best way to enjoy it.

French Tarragon is easy to grow once established and performs well both in the herb garden and in containers.

Tarragon Varieties.

Several types of tarragon are sold, including Spanish, Mexican and Russian varieties. However the one valued for cooking is French Tarragon.

French Tarragon has finer leaves and the characteristic flavour associated with the herb. Other forms tend to be milder and lack the distinctive taste.

One reason French Tarragon can sometimes be difficult to find is that it rarely flowers and does not produce viable seed. Because of this it must be propagated by cuttings or division rather than grown from seed. This makes large scale production slower, although once established in the garden it is a reliable and long lived plant.

Plant Description

• Botanical Name Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa
• Common Name French Tarragon
• Plant Type Perennial culinary herb
• Height Approximately 40 cm
• Spread To around 40 cm forming a small clumpGrowth
• Habit Compact and clumping

How to Grow French Tarragon Plants

French Tarragon grows well in either garden beds or containers. Many gardeners prefer to grow it in pots where drainage can be easily controlled.

Once established it requires relatively little attention apart from occasional fertiliser and periodic division of the clump.

Plants can remain productive for many years if the soil is refreshed and the clump is divided every few seasons.

Light

French Tarragon prefers a position with good light but some protection from intense afternoon sun.Ideal conditions include:

• Morning sun
• Light or dappled shade in the afternoon
• A position protected from hot drying windsToo much shade may reduce growth and flavour.

Soil

Good drainage is essential when growing tarragon.

The plant prefers soil that is:

• Humus rich
• Well drained
• Improved with compost before planting

Heavy soils should be improved with organic matter and coarse material to increase drainage.

When growing in containers, use a quality potting mix and ensure the pot drains freely. Some gardeners add gravel or coarse material at the base of the pot to improve drainage.

Watering

French Tarragon prefers consistent moisture but should never sit in wet soil.

During the growing season:

• Water regularly but lightly
• Allow the soil surface to dry slightly between watering

Overwatering can weaken plants, particularly in cooler weather. Good drainage is especially important during winter.

Temperature

French Tarragon performs best in temperate climates.It benefits from:

• Warm but not excessively hot summers
• Cool winters when the plant becomes dormant

Protection from heavy frost is recommended as plants can be damaged by severe cold.

Fertiliser

Tarragon is not a heavy feeder but benefits from regular light feeding.

We grow our plants in a container, they have been long lived and require little care other than some added fertiliser each year. We only use the leaves, however the plants are divided every few years.

Before planting:

• Dig compost and aged manure into the soil
• Add a slow release organic fertiliser

During the growing season:

• Apply a liquid fertiliser such as seaweed or fish emulsion every few weeks from spring through summer

An annual application of a balanced organic fertiliser will also support healthy growth.

Care and Maintenance

French Tarragon is a low maintenance herb once established.

Basic care includes:

• Removing old foliage in late winter or early spring
• Refreshing soil in containers when required
• Dividing the clump every few years to maintain vigour

Mulching around plants in the garden will help retain soil moisture and improve soil structure.

Propagation

Because French Tarragon does not produce viable seed it is propagated by division or cuttings.

Division is the simplest method.

Every three to four years lift the clump in early spring and divide the roots into several sections. Replant these in fresh soil and water well until new growth begins.

This process keeps plants healthy and provides new plants for the garden.

Harvesting

TarragonLeaves can be harvested once the plant is well established.

Pick fresh sprigs as needed throughout the growing season. Regular harvesting encourages fresh growth and helps keep plants compact.

The flavour is strongest when the herb is used immediately after picking.

Kitchen Uses

French Tarragon is widely used in cooking and is particularly suited to:

• Chicken dishes
• Fish recipes
• Egg dishes
• Mushroom dishes
• Herb butters and sauces

Because the flavour fades quickly after harvest, fresh leaves are generally preferred over dried ones.

Growing your own plant allows you to harvest exactly when needed for the best flavour.

Common Problems

French Tarragon is generally trouble free when grown in the right conditions.

The most common issues relate to soil and watering.

Poor drainage
Plants growing in wet soil may decline or rot. Always plant in well drained soil or containers.

Overwatering
Too much water, particularly in winter, can weaken plants.

Frost damage
Severe frosts may damage foliage. In colder climates plant in a protected position or grow in containers that can be sheltered.When grown in free draining soil with moderate watering, French Tarragon is a reliable and productive herb.

More Herb Plants

Where To Buy

Tarragon Plants (ask for the French variety) are often available in spring from the following nurseries.

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