There are actually two types of Tarragon.
The French one is more widely available and has a stronger flavor than the Russian variety.
The French variety (subspeciesSativa) is the one our advice will be centered around.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
The plant has long, light green leaves and can grow to be a few feet high.
Just one plant will generate a generous amount of leaves to pick.
Tarragon is native to mild European regions.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
It’s hardy and easy to grow in a sunny or partially shaded spot in well-drained soil.
It thrives in spring temperatures and doesn’t do well in overly hot climates.
French Tarragon produces sterile flowers, so it can’t be sown from seed in your garden.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
You’ll need to buy a young plant or obtain a cutting from a friend or neighbor.
You’ll also need to select a sandy, well-draining soil.
Warm, rather than intense heat, conditions are what this plant does best with.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Soil
Tarragon doesn’t like wet conditions.
It’s adrought-resistant herband needs a well-drained, sandy, light soil for best growth.
A rich,acidic, moist soilwill result in poor growth, rotting roots and a reduced flavor.
Young Tarragon will benefit from watering on alternate days if you’re experiencing prolonged hot, dry spells.
Mature Tarragon, however, should be fine with a light watering every few days.
Check the top inch of soil before watering.
If it’s moist, no need to water, If it’s dry, give it a drink.
Temperature and Humidity
This hardy plant is not too fussy about temperatures.
It can still grow if a cold snap hits.
Fertilizer
Tarragon doesn’t need fertilizer to do well.
The best flavor is achieved when it’s planted in low-nutrient soil.
Propagating Tarragon
French Tarragon can only be grown by propagation or by buying an established plant.
This herb doesn’t flower much and, when it does, the flowers are sterile.
For best results, select a young stem and cut a length of around five or six inches.
Remove the leaves from the bottom third.
The stem can then be placed in moist potting soil after beingdipped in rooting hormone.
It’s also possible to useroot division techniques.
This is best done in late fall or early spring.
you’re able to start harvesting once the stems reach about six inches tall.
confirm the container you select is generous enough in size to accommodate the spreading roots.
You should wait until after danger of frost has passed in spring before transferring any potted Tarragon outside.
