French Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa
Family: Asteraceae
French tarragon is a sophisticated herb with a distinctive anise-licorice flavor. It is essential in French cuisine, especially for classic sauces like béarnaise.
Days to Harvest
85-100 days
Sun Needs
Full Sun to Part Shade (4-6+ hours)
moderate
Germination Temp
70°F optimal
Start Indoors
0 weeks before last frost
Germination
10-14 days
Seed Depth
N/A
Light to Germinate
Yes
💡 Tip: French tarragon rarely produces viable seed. Grow from cuttings or divisions.
Soil Type
Well-draining, moderately fertile
pH Range
6 - 7.5
Spacing
18-24 inches between plants
⚠️ Avoid planting near:
History
Tarragon originated in Central Asia and was brought to Europe in the Middle Ages. "Dracunculus" means "little dragon" - perhaps referring to its serpentine roots.
Nutritional Benefits
- ✓Contains antioxidants
- ✓Traditional digestive aid
- ✓May help regulate blood sugar
Optimal Growing Temp
60°F - 75°F
French tarragon prefers moderate temperatures. Grows best in spring and fall. Heat reduces flavor.
Survival Range
30°F - 85°F
Can survive these temperatures
Frost Note: Hardy to zone 4-5. Dies back to ground in winter, regrows from roots in spring. Needs winter chill for best growth.
Best USDA Zones
Humidity
40-60%
Tolerates moderate humidity. Good drainage essential.
Height
18-24 inches
Spread
12-18 inches
Growth Habit
spreading
Germination
N/A
True French tarragon does NOT produce viable seed. Must be propagated from cuttings or divisions.
Seedling Stage
Duration: N/A
True leaves: If you have tarragon seeds, they are Russian tarragon—different plant with inferior flavor.
Transplant ready: Buy plants or get divisions from established French tarragon.
Vegetative Growth
Duration: Spring through fall
Spreads via underground rhizomes. Narrow, aromatic leaves with anise flavor. Harvest sprigs anytime.
Flowering
Timing: Rarely flowers (sterile hybrid)
Duration: N/A
True French tarragon rarely flowers. If it flowers abundantly, it may be Russian tarragon.
Harvest Maturity
Timing: 60-90 days to full harvest from divisions
- Dense, bushy growth
- Strong anise aroma
- Spreading habit
Per Plant
1-2 cups fresh leaves per plant over the season.
Per Square Foot
1-2 plants per square foot
Harvest Frequency
Harvest sprigs as needed. Best flavor before any flowering.
Factors Affecting Yield
- •Cool weather for best flavor
- •Regular harvest
- •Proper variety (French, not Russian)
Seedling Stage
Keep divisions moist while establishing.
Established Plants
Water when top inch dry. Every 4-5 days.
During Fruiting
N/A—rarely flowers.
Preferred Method
Water at soil level. Good drainage important.
Pro Tips
- Moderate water needs
- Well-draining soil essential
Feeding Schedule
Spring
Light compost
Once annually
Organic Options
Light feeding. Rich soil can reduce flavor.
Minimum Size
10 inch pot
Recommended Size
12-14 inch pot
Depth Required
At least 10-12 inches
Best Varieties for Containers
Container Tips
- Good container plant
- Use well-draining soil
- May need to divide every 2-3 years
- Allow winter dormancy in cold climate
How do I know if I have French or Russian tarragon?
Taste test: French tarragon has strong, sweet anise flavor. Russian tarragon is nearly tasteless or bitter. Also: French tarragon rarely flowers; Russian blooms abundantly. French tarragon cannot be grown from seed—if you grew it from seed, it's Russian.
Why won't my tarragon grow from seed?
True French tarragon (the culinary variety) is sterile and does not produce viable seeds. Any "tarragon seeds" sold are Russian tarragon, which has poor flavor. Always buy French tarragon as plants or get divisions from someone with an established plant.
