Tarragon is a hardy herb that returns every year, featuring long, light green leaves and small flowers. It can grow a few feet tall and one plant can give you plenty of leaves.
You can pick from two wonderful types: French tarragon, which boasts a rich flavor, and Russian tarragon, which has a milder taste but is hardy and easy to grow. If you want to add this flavorful herb to your garden, here's a simple guide to get you started on how to grow tarragon!
Sunlight: Select a spot that receives full sun. In hotter climates, a location with some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent heat stress.
Soil Conditions: Tarragon thrives in well-drained soil. This is crucial as the plant is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.
Soil pH: Aim for slightly alkaline to neutral soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. You can test your soil and amend it if necessary using lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it.
Soil Amendments: While Tarragon isn't particularly fussy about soil fertility, incorporating some well-rotted compost into the planting area can improve soil structure and provide mild nutrients.
Air Circulation: Ensure the planting site has good air flow to prevent fungal issues.
When to Plant Tarragon
1. For Divisions or Cuttings:
Timing: Plant in spring after all danger of frost has passed. This is typically when soil temperatures have warmed to about 50°F (10°C).
Spacing: Allow 24 inches (60 cm) between plants. This gives them room to reach their mature size of 2-3 feet in height and spread.
Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth they were growing previously.
2. For Seeds (Russian Tarragon):
Indoor Start: Sow tarragon seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
Soil: Use a light, well-draining seed-starting mix in small pots or trays.
Transplanting: After hardening off, transplant seedlings outdoors when they're about 4 inches tall and all frost danger has passed.
Hardening Off: Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting.
Tarragon, known for its distinctive anise-like flavor, is a versatile and hardy herb that can enhance many culinary dishes. While it may not win beauty contests in the garden, its ease of cultivation and drought resistance make it a favorite among herb enthusiasts.
Getting Started:
1. Varieties: French Tarragon is the preferred culinary variety. Russian Tarragon, while easier to grow, lacks the same flavor intensity.
2. Propagation: French Tarragon doesn't produce viable seeds. Start with:
A young plant from a nursery
A cutting from an established plant
Division of an existing plant in spring or fall
3. Timing: Plant in early spring after the last frost for optimal flavor development
Key Growing Requirements:
1. Light:
In hot climates: Dappled shade or morning sun only
In cooler regions: Full sun is acceptable
Aim for 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, adjusting based on your local climate
Protect from intense afternoon sun, which can stress the plant
2. Soil:
Well-drained, sandy, light soil is crucial
pH range: 6.0 to 7.3 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Avoid rich, heavily organic, or moisture-retentive soils
Consider raised beds or containers if your native soil is heavy clay
Add sand or perlite to improve drainage if necessary
3. Water:
Young plants: Water every other day during hot, dry spells
Mature plants: Light watering every 3-4 days
Always check soil moisture before watering:
Stick your finger 1 inch into the soil
If dry, water deeply
If moist, wait another day: While drought-tolerant, consistent moisture produces better leaf growth
Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage
4. Temperature and Humidity:
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9
Prefers moderate temperatures between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C)
Can tolerate brief cold snaps
Dislikes high humidity, which can lead to fungal issues
In colder regions:
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base in late fall
This protects the roots during winter dormancy
5. Fertilizer:
Generally thrives in low-nutrient conditions
Over-fertilizing can reduce flavor intensity
If the soil is very poor:
Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at half-strength
Do this only at the initial planting stage
Compost tea can be used as a gentle, natural fertilizer if needed
French Tarragon plant is a culinary herb prized for its distinctive anise-like flavor. Unlike many herbs, it cannot be grown from seeds, as it rarely produces viable ones. This guide will walk you through the two main methods of propagation: stem cuttings and root division.
1. Stem Cuttings:
Timing:
Best done in late spring or early summer
Choose a time when the plant is actively growing but not flowering
Materials needed:
Sharp, clean pruning shears or knife
Rooting hormone powder or gel
Small pots with drainage holes
Well-draining potting mix
Clear plastic bags or propagator lid
Step-by-step process:
Select a healthy, young stem about 4-6 inches long
Cut just below a leaf node at a 45-degree angle
Remove leaves from the bottom third of the cutting
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone
Make a hole in pre-moistened potting mix with a pencil
Insert the cutting and gently firm the soil around it
Water lightly and cover with a clear plastic bag
Place in bright, indirect light
Maintain temperature around 70°F (21°C)
Mist regularly to keep humidity high
Check for root development after 2-3 weeks by gently tugging the cutting
2. Root Division:
Timing:
Best performed in late fall after dormancy or early spring before new growth
Materials needed:
Garden fork or spade
Sharp, clean knife
Fresh potting soil or compost Containers (if not planting directly in the ground)
Step-by-step process:
Water the plant thoroughly a day before division
Carefully dig around and lift the entire plant
Shake off excess soil to expose the root system
Look for natural divisions in the root ball
Use a clean, sharp knife to separate the plant into sections
Ensure each division has healthy roots and several stems
Trim away any dead or damaged roots
Replant divisions immediately in prepared soil
Water well and keep soil consistently moist for the first few weeks
Aftercare for Both Methods:
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Gradually acclimate cuttings to direct sunlight over 1-2 weeks
For divisions, mulch around the base to retain moisture
Hold off on fertilizing until new growth is evident
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness
Troubleshooting:
Yellowing leaves: May indicate overwatering or poor drainage
Wilting: Could be due to underwatering or too much direct sun initially
Slow growth: Normal at first; patience is key
Long-term Care:
Tarragon is relatively short-lived, often declining after 3-4 years
Plan to propagate new plants every 2-3 years to maintain a healthy supply
This regular renewal ensures you always have vigorous, flavorful plants
Tarragon, a perennial herb prized for its distinctive anise-like flavor, requires proper harvesting techniques to ensure the best taste and continued plant health. Here's a comprehensive guide to harvesting and using your Tarragon:
Harvesting Season:
French Tarragon can be harvested from late spring through late summer (typically May to August)
The exact timing may vary depending on your climate and when you planted
When to Start Harvesting:
Begin harvesting when stems reach about 6 inches (15 cm) in height
This usually occurs a few months after planting or when growth resumes in spring for established plants
Harvesting Techniques:
1. Regular trimming:
Pinch off the top 2-3 inches of stems regularly
This encourages bushier growth and prevents flowering
Use clean, sharp scissors or your fingernails
2. Larger harvests:
Cut stems back by up to 2/3 of their height
Leave at least 1/3 of the plant for regrowth
Make cuts just above a leaf or leaf pair
3. Flower bud management:
Remove flower buds as they appear
This maintains leaf flavor and promotes vegetative growth
Frequency of Harvest:
Harvest small amounts frequently for regular use
For larger harvests, allow the plant to regrow fully between cuttings
Avoid over-harvesting, which can stress the plant
Maximizing Flavor:
Harvest in the morning after dew has dried but before the heat of the day
Choose younger, tender leaves for the best flavor
Taste-test leaves from different parts of the plant to find your preference
Using Your Harvest:
1. Fresh use:
Rinse leaves gently and pat dry
Use immediately for best flavor
Store in the refrigerator wrapped in slightly damp paper towels for up to a week
2. Drying:
Hang small bundles in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area
Once crisp, store in airtight containers away from light
Use within 6 months for best flavor
3. Freezing:
Chop leaves and place in ice cube trays with water or oil
Once frozen, transfer cubes to freezer bags
Use within 3-4 months for optimal taste
End-of-Season Care:
In late summer or early fall, reduce harvesting to allow the plant to prepare for dormancy
Leave some growth on the plant for winter protection
By following these harvesting guidelines, you'll ensure a continuous supply of flavorful Tarragon throughout the growing season while maintaining the health and productivity of your plants.
Pests and Diseases
While Tarragon is generally a hardy herb, it can be susceptible to several pests and diseases. Here's a more detailed look at the common issues:
1. Rusts:
Symptoms:
Yellow or white spots appear on leaf surfaces
Powdery spores often visible underneath affected areas
Can lead to leaf distortion and premature leaf drop if severe
Prevention:
Ensure good air circulation by proper plant spacing
Avoid overhead watering; water at the base of plants instead
Remove and destroy infected leaves promptly
Consider using rust-resistant varieties if available
2. Downy Mildew:
Symptoms:
Yellow patches develop on upper leaf surfaces
Gray, fuzzy growth appears on the undersides of leaves
Can cause leaves to curl, wilt, and eventually die off
Prevention:
Improve air circulation by proper spacing and pruning
Water at the base of plants, keeping foliage dry
Remove affected leaves as soon as you spot them
Apply organic fungicides if the problem persists
Avoid working with plants when they're wet to prevent spread
3. Powdery Mildew:
Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves and stems
Prevention: Space plants properly, water in the morning, prune for better air flow
4. Fungal Leaf and Stem Diseases:
Can include various types of fungal infections
Symptoms: Spots on leaves, stem lesions, wilting
Prevention: Avoid wetting foliage, remove and destroy infected plant parts
If you're after the classic tarragon flavor for cooking, French tarragon is your best bet. However, if you're new to herb gardening or live in a colder climate, Russian tarragon might be a more forgiving choice.
Remember, while Russian tarragon is easier to grow, many chefs prefer French tarragon for its more intense, characteristic flavor. Your choice depends on your culinary needs and gardening experience.
Similarly, Tarragon grows well with many vegetables and herbs. Tarragon companion plants includes chives, lemon balm, parsley, rosemary, and sage.
