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.