Tarragon might not be the first herb that comes to mind when planning a garden, but once you grow it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it. With its subtle anise-like flavor and beautifully aromatic leaves, tarragon has a way of elevating dishes in the most unexpected way—whether you’re making a simple salad dressing, roasting vegetables, or whipping up a creamy sauce. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to grow, making it a perfect addition to your herb garden, whether you’ve got a sprawling backyard or just a few pots on a sunny windowsill.
If you’re new to herb gardening or feeling a little unsure about where to start, don’t worry—you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about growing tarragon successfully, from choosing the right variety to keeping it happy and thriving. You’ll be ready to grow your own fresh tarragon—and trust me, once you do, you’ll never look back!
Looking to learn more about other herbs? Check out my full collection of herb profiles for detailed guides on growing, caring for, and cooking with your favorite herbs!
Why Grow Tarragon?
First, what makes tarragon so special? Tarragon isn’t just another pretty leaf—it serves a multitude of purposes for gardeners and food enthusiasts alike. Its culinary uses are vast, from enhancing chicken dishes to creating the perfect Béarnaise sauce. Plus, it brings a subtle freshness to salads and beverages.
On top of that, tarragon is incredibly easy to grow, manageable in the smallest garden spaces, and even thrives in pots. Its graceful, slender leaves add soft texture to any garden layout, and it doubles as a pollinator-friendly herb that attracts bees and beneficial insects.
Now, roll up your sleeves and prepare to dig into tarragon-growing tips that will set you on the path to success.
Choosing the Right Tarragon Variety
Before hitting the garden center or buying seeds online, it’s important to understand that not all tarragon varieties are created equal. If hardiness is your main concern, Russian tarragon is a robust alternative. It grows well from seeds and can become quite prolific, though Russian Tarragon flavor tends to diminish as it matures. For those in warmer climates, Mexican tarragon, a different species, resembles French tarragon in flavor and can be a good substitute while much more hardy in climates like Florida.
Here’s a quick overview of the most commonly grown types to help you choose the perfect plant for your garden.
1. French Tarragon
- Best For: Culinary use.
- Key Features: Intensely flavorful, with smooth, narrow leaves.
- Notes: French tarragon is considered the “king of herbs” in cooking. However, it doesn’t produce viable seeds, so propagation happens via cuttings or divisions.
2. Russian Tarragon
- Best For: Beginners and gardeners experimenting with herb growing.
- Key Features: Larger, coarser leaves with a milder flavor than French tarragon.
- Notes: While less flavorful, Russian tarragon is easier to grow and tolerates a wider range of conditions.
3. Mexican Tarragon
- Best For: Heat-tolerant herb gardens.
- Key Features: Bright green leaves with marigold-like flowers and a strong anise aroma.
- Notes: Technically a type of marigold, this ‘tarragon’ offers a delightful alternative for warm regions, like Florida, where French tarragon struggles.
Ultimately, the choice between tarragon varieties depends on your gardening conditions and culinary needs. Living in Florida, I grow Mexican Tarragon in my garden because I need heat-tolerant herbs. However, if you’re in a cooler region and prefer the classic flavor of French tarragon, I would recommend sticking with that variety. Whichever type you choose, be sure to give it plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil for optimal growth.
How to Grow Tarragon in 7 Simple Steps
Whether you’re planting tarragon in a backyard garden or a tiny balcony pot, these seven steps will help your herb thrive.
1. Choose the Right Spot
Tarragon loves sunlight but prefers mild temperatures (unless its Mexican Tarragon). Aim to plant it in a spot with full sun (6 to 8 hours daily) while providing afternoon shade in hotter climates. Tarragon can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9 but needs adequate protection from frost.
If space is limited, go ahead and grow tarragon in containers—this herb is perfectly suited for pot gardening!
2. Work the Soil
Good drainage is key! Tarragon hates soggy roots, so start with well-draining soil. If you’re planting directly in the ground, mix sand or perlite into the soil to improve drainage. For container gardening, use a lightweight potting mix.
Bonus tip from seasoned gardeners: Add compost for a boost of nutrients! Tarragon thrives in lean soil, but a little organic matter helps keep it happy.
3. Propagate or Grow Correctly
Unlike many other herbs, French tarragon cannot grow from seeds. Instead, you’ll need to plant cuttings or pre-established plants. Here’s how to do it:
- Purchase fresh tarragon plants from a reputable nursery.
- Alternatively, get cuttings from an existing plant and root them in water or damp potting mix.
Once planted, water lightly until roots firmly establish.
For those opting to grow Mexican or Russian tarragon, planting from seeds is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- Sow the seeds in small pots from April to May.
- Ensure the pots are kept in a warm, sheltered spot.
- Unlike other seeds, Russian tarragon seeds should not be covered; simply place them on the soil surface. Mexican tarragon seeds should be sown at a shallow depth.
Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into small pots or directly into the garden. Make sure the soil is well-drained and the location is sunny to support their growth. Regular watering during the early stages will help the young plants establish themselves.
4. Water and Feed Wisely
The trick to growing tarragon successfully? Water sparingly. Tarragon is drought-tolerant once established, making overwatering its number one enemy! Water only when the topsoil feels dry, and ensure pots have proper drainage holes.
However, frequent watering of young tarragon plants, particularly during high-temperature, dry periods, assists in the formation of strong roots. Ensuring hydration on every other day is advisable for young plants.
You won’t need heavy feeding—just use a diluted all-purpose fertilizer once a month during active growth.
5. Prune and Harvest Frequently
Frequent harvesting encourages new growth and a bushy, compact plant. Follow these guidelines:
- Harvest leaves regularly by snipping sprigs close to the stem.
- Regularly pick the young, tender leaves just above a node to promote new growth and ensure a continuous supply throughout the growing season.
- Prune flowering stems in late summer, as the plant’s flavor may decline after blooming.
By pruning diligently, you can enjoy fresh tarragon from late spring to early fall!
6. Preserving Tarragon
By preserving tarragon leaves, their distinctive flavor can be savored throughout the year. The leaves can be dried or frozen for future usage. Both methods allow for long-term preservation of the leaves’ flavor and nutrients.
Dry the leaves by placing them on a baking sheet and leaving them overnight in the oven with the light on or in a gas oven kept off. You can also dehydrate them at 95°F for 3-8 hours. Once dried, store the leaves in airtight containers in a cool, dry, dark place to maintain their flavor.
Freezing tarragon leaves is another excellent preservation method. Simply place the leaves in a freezer bag or an airtight container and store them in the freezer. This method helps retain the fresh taste of tarragon longer than drying, allowing you to enjoy its unique flavor year-round.
7. Overwinter Your Tarragon
For outdoor plants, mulch the base heavily to protect roots from cold damage.
For container-grown tarragon, move the pots to a frost-free location such as a greenhouse, shed, or garage once the plants have died down. If winters in your region are harsh, bring container-grown tarragon indoors before frost sets in. Keep it near a sunny window, and water sparingly during its dormant period.
This protection helps the plants survive the winter and ensures they come back strong in the spring. By taking these steps, your tarragon will be ready to flourish when the warm weather returns.
How to Incorporate Tarragon Into Your Herb Garden
Tarragon isn’t just a solo star—it plays beautifully with other herbs in a beginner herb garden. Plant it alongside rosemary, chives, and thyme for a complementary herb collection. Tarragon also makes a gorgeous border plant thanks to its soft, feathery appearance.
Pairing tarragon with companion plants like marigolds or lavender can repel common garden pests naturally. Plus, you’ll have a picture-perfect garden that smells amazing!
Using Tarragon in Cooking
Tarragon’s culinary applications are as delightfully varied as they are numerous. French tarragon, with its sweet, light aniseed flavor, is a staple in many classic chicken dishes. I tend to add tarragon towards the end of my cooking to help preserve its delicate taste. A few leaves can go a long way with its potent flavor.
One of the most popular uses is in chicken with tarragon sauce, a comforting dish that pairs well with mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans. For a refreshing twist, try adding tarragon to a lemony chicken salad, which can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
Tarragon also shines in seafood dishes. Simple herbed scallops with tarragon provide a coastal flavor that can be enjoyed even in the Midwest. Additionally, tarragon vinaigrette dressing is perfect for drizzling over vegetables like asparagus for a fresh spring meal. The herb’s versatility extends to egg dishes as well, enhancing the flavor of poached eggs with tarragon asparagus, making for a delicious breakfast option.
Incorporating tarragon into your cooking opens up a world of flavors. Here are some delicious ways to use tarragon:
- Marinated mushrooms and artichokes with tarragon
- French potato salad with Dijon mustard and olive oil
- Tuna salad with a bright and fresh taste
- Carrot soup with orange and a hint of tarragon
Tarragon is sure to elevate your culinary creations.
Looking for more delicious ways to use tarragon in your cooking? Check out my Pinterest board, ‘Herb Recipes: Delicious Dishes with Fresh Herbs,’ for a collection of flavorful recipes featuring tarragon and other fresh herbs!
Herb Gardening Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to herb gardening, here are three pro tips to ensure success:
- Start Small – Focus on a few reliable herbs like tarragon, basil, and parsley before expanding your garden.
- Plant in Pairs – Growing herbs in pairs (like tarragon and chives) saves space and enhances flavors.
- Label Your Herbs – It’s easy to mix up plants when you’re starting out. Make sure to use labels!
Gardening is all about experimenting—don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Tarragon itself is forgiving and will thrive even with minimal care.
Savor the Rewards of Growing Tarragon
Growing tarragon is a rewarding experience that goes beyond the garden. From seasoning your favorite dishes to creating your own herb garden oasis, this charming plant brings flavor and greenery into your life.
Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned herbalist, tarragon’s versatility and relative ease of care make it a fantastic addition to any garden. So, grab your gardening gloves and get ready to grow tarragon. Your dinner table (and your guests) will thank you for the aromatic flavor boost!
I’d love to hear how your tarragon plants are growing—share your progress, questions, or other tips you’ve learned along the way in the comments below!
