French Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus 'Sativa'
herbAn elegant perennial herb with a distinctive licorice-anise flavor essential in classic French cooking. True French tarragon cannot be grown from seed. It must be propagated by division or cuttings. The fresh leaves have an incomparably brighter flavor than dried, making a home garden plant invaluable for bearnaise sauce, fines herbes blends, and chicken dishes.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 5 days
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Harvest
~75 days
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Difficulty
medium
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Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
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Spacing
24-36 in (clump spreads)
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Planting Depth
Crown at soil level
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Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Growing Details
Soil Type
Average, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 4 – 8
When to Fertilize
Light top-dressing with compost in early spring only
Fertilizer
Minimal; overly rich soil reduces flavor intensity. Light compost annually.
🌱 Growing Guide
Purchase plants or get a division from a friend. No true French tarragon seed exists. Plant in well-draining soil in full sun. Tarragon goes dormant in winter and returns in spring in zones 4 to 9. Divide every 2 to 3 years to maintain vigor, as clumps become woody and less productive over time. Avoid overwatering. Tarragon strongly prefers drier conditions than most herbs. Replace plants every 3 to 4 years as flavor diminishes with age.
Planting Calendar
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Direct sow
Apr 29
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Projected first harvest
Jul 13
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Vegetables in general: General beneficial aromatic; most vegetables tolerate tarragon as a neighbor
- Eggplant: Tarragon said to improve flavor and repel eggplant pests
- Most brassicas: Aromatic deterrence of cabbage moths
- Dill: Similar care requirements; good herb garden companions
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Water spray; insecticidal soap; introduce beneficial insects
Overhead misting in hot dry weather; neem oil spray
Plant in well-draining gritty soil; never in soggy spots; raised beds recommended
Thin clumps for airflow; avoid overhead watering
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest fresh sprigs as needed throughout the growing season. Flavor is best before flowering. Pinch flower buds to extend leaf production. Cut stems 4 to 6 inches long from branch tips. Use within a day or two for best flavor; tarragon wilts quickly. Preserve by infusing in white wine vinegar (tarragon vinegar) or chopped and frozen in ice cube trays.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Contains estragole and other volatile compounds responsible for anise flavor. Rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron relative to quantity used. Traditionally used to stimulate appetite and as a mild digestive aid.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.