Growing Tarragon: A Simple Guide for Beginners to Add Flavor and Beauty
Tarragon doesn’t get the hype it deserves. It’s got this subtle anise flavor that sneaks into a salad dressing, roasted vegetables, or a creamy sauce and suddenly you’re wondering how you cooked without it. Bonus: it’s ridiculously easy to grow, whether you’ve got a sprawling backyard or three pots on a windowsill.
New to herb gardening? You’re in exactly the right place. I’ll walk you through everything — choosing the right variety, keeping it happy, all of it. Once you’ve got your own tarragon going, there’s no going back to the dried stuff.
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?
So what’s the big deal with tarragon? For starters, it’s a serious culinary multitasker — think elevated chicken dishes, a proper Béarnaise sauce, and a subtle lift in salads and drinks.
It’s also stupidly easy to grow, works in the smallest of spaces, and does just fine in pots. Its slender, graceful leaves add nice texture to any garden bed, and pollinators are into it too.
Alright, let’s get into the actual growing part.
Choosing the Right Tarragon Variety
Before you grab seeds or head to the garden center, know this: not all tarragon is created equal. If you want a hardy, no-fuss option, Russian tarragon grows easily from seed (though its flavor fades a bit as it matures). In warmer climates, Mexican tarragon — technically a marigold, plot twist — is a great substitute that actually thrives in the heat.
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.
The right variety really comes down to your climate and what you’re cooking. I grow Mexican tarragon here in Florida because it laughs in the face of humidity — if you’re somewhere cooler, French tarragon’s classic flavor is worth the extra care. Either way: sunshine and well-drained soil are non-negotiable.
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 pays off in ways that go beyond the garden bed — it seasons your favorite dishes, fills out your herb collection, and honestly just makes your yard smell better.
Beginner or seasoned herb-head, tarragon’s ease and versatility make it a no-brainer addition. Grab your gloves and get planting — your dinner guests are about to think you got way better at cooking.
How’s your tarragon doing — thriving, struggling, or still just a seed packet on your counter? Tell me where you’re at in the comments, I’d love to help troubleshoot or just hear how it’s going.
