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herb
Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
EdibleMedicinalDrought Tolerant
Edible Partsleaves
Overview
The sophisticated French herb with a distinctive anise-like flavor that is indispensable in béarnaise sauce, fines herbes, and French vinaigrette. True French tarragon (A. dracunculus var. sativa) must be propagated by division — it rarely produces viable seed. Russian tarragon, which does grow from seed, has vastly inferior flavor. A little goes a long way with this potent, aromatic herb.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones4 — 9
Height0.6m
Spread0.3m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanPerennial
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7.5
Soil TypeWell-drained, average to lean, sandy soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Plant divisions after last frost; French tarragon does not grow from seed |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jun — Sep | Harvest stems as needed; best flavor before flowering |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant divisions in spring; full sun, well-drained soil |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | May — Oct | Harvest as needed; freeze for winter use |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring; French tarragon is propagated by division only |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Apr — Oct | Harvest throughout growing season |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigor |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter; mulch in summer heat |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Mar — Nov | Harvest as needed; may go dormant in summer |
| Warm (8-9) | Divide | Feb — Mar | Divide every 2-3 years in early spring |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant in fall; struggles in extreme heat and humidity |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Nov — Apr (wraps) | Best in cool months; semi-dormant in summer |
Uses
Culinary
- Essential in béarnaise sauce and fines herbes
- Tarragon vinegar for salad dressings
- Pairs beautifully with chicken, fish, and eggs
Medicinal
- Traditional appetite stimulant and digestive aid
- Contains estragole, studied for antioxidant properties
- Historically used for toothache pain relief
Other Uses
- Must be propagated by division (French tarragon doesn't come true from seed)
Safety Notes
Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people[222].
