French tarragon is a classic culinary herb with a sweet, anise-like flavor that goes with chicken, fish, eggs and sauces such as béarnaise. It is a hardy perennial that grows 24 to 36 inches tall, but the plants you want are not grown from seed. This page explains the difference between French and Russian tarragon, how to propagate it, how to care for it and how to harvest.
Tarragon at a glance
| Type | Herb |
|---|---|
| Season | Perennial |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Plant spacing | 24 in |
| Row spacing | 24 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | Pick once plants are established |
| How to start | Plant French tarragon in spring from nursery plants, or propagate it by root division in spring. |
| Water | 0.5 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant tarragon
Plant French tarragon in spring from nursery plants, or propagate it by root division in spring. According to Utah State University Extension, it rarely flowers and does not produce viable seed, so seed-grown plants are typically Russian tarragon, which has a milder flavor and is less valuable for cooking. French tarragon is winter hardy to zone 4, so check your growing zone and use the frost dates by ZIP code tool for spring timing.
How to plant tarragon
- Buy or propagate true French tarragon. Buy plants labeled French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa), or take 4 to 6 inch stem cuttings below a node with the lower third of leaves removed. Divisions give 3 to 5 new plants per parent in spring.
- Choose full sun. In areas over 90°F, partial shade improves survival.
- Give warm, dry, well-drained soil. Tarragon does not tolerate waterlogging. Aim for soil pH around 6.5 to 7.
- Space plants 24 inches apart. Use the plant spacing calculator. Plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and 12 to 15 inches wide.
Caring for tarragon
Let the soil dry between waterings. Water new plants often until established, then about once a week. Mulch lightly because the roots are shallow. Use the garden watering calculator to plan.
Tarragon has low fertilizer needs, so test the soil first and feed mainly at planting. Trim to keep the shape. Divide plants every 2 to 3 years to keep them vigorous. For winter, cut back to the ground after frost kills the top growth and mulch heavily in cold climates. Potted plants can move indoors and need about 6 hours of direct sun a day.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Most herbs and vegetables, especially eggplant and peppers |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Plants that need constant moisture, because tarragon rots in wet soil |
Tarragon grows well with other Mediterranean herbs that like dry, well-drained soil, and its scent is said to help deter some pests. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing and mushy roots | Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Let the soil dry between waterings and improve drainage. See the overwatering checker. |
| Weak flavor | Mild, grassy taste | Often Russian tarragon grown from seed. Replace it with a true French tarragon plant. |
| Weeds | Weeds crowd the shallow roots | Use shallow cultivation around the roots, and mulch. |
| Straggly plants | Woody, thin stems after a few years | Divide every 2 to 3 years and trim to renew growth. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Cut sprigs as needed once plants are established. For drying, take the first harvest 6 to 8 weeks after growth begins and make a second cut before the first fall frost. Tarragon is best fresh, but you can freeze sprigs or preserve them in vinegar.
To renew your plants, divide the clumps every 2 to 3 years in spring and replant the pieces at the same depth.
Plan your tarragon
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant tarragon plants?
Space tarragon plants 24 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant tarragon plants?
Plant tarragon at the same depth it grew in its pot, with the crown at the soil surface, and space plants 24 inches apart.
How long do tarragon plants take to grow?
You can start picking sprigs once plants are established; for drying, the first harvest comes 6 to 8 weeks after growth begins.
How much water do tarragon plants need?
About 0.5 inches of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Let the soil dry between waterings; water new plants often until established, then about once a week.
Can you grow French tarragon from seed?
No. French tarragon does not produce viable seed, so it is grown from nursery plants, cuttings or root divisions. Seed sold as tarragon is usually Russian tarragon.
Is tarragon a perennial?
Yes. French tarragon is hardy to zone 4. Cut it back after frost and mulch it heavily in cold climates.
How often should I divide tarragon?
Every 2 to 3 years, in spring, to keep the plants vigorous.