How Do You Plant Tarragon?

Growing Tarragon: How to Plant This Sublime Herb

Tarragon has a way of surprising you. Its subtle anise flavor can transform a dish, and growing it is surprisingly straightforward if you play by its rules. Let me tell you, once you bring this herb into your garden, it earns its keep—over and over again.

Start With the Right Variety

First, let’s cut to the chase: you want French tarragon. Not Russian, not Mexican—French. It’s the one that carries that distinctive, elegant flavor chefs obsess over. Russian tarragon grows faster and easier but tastes like lawn clippings.

French tarragon doesn’t produce viable seeds, so you’ll need to buy a plant or get a cutting from a fellow gardener. Trust me, it’s worth hunting down the real deal.

Choosing the Right Spot

Tarragon thrives where it can bask in full sun, though it tolerates partial shade like a trooper. Give it well-draining soil—the kind that lets water glide through, not cling there like an overbearing guest.

If your soil leans heavy or clay-like, don’t despair. Just mix in sand or compost to lighten things up. I’ve grown tarragon in containers with gritty potting mix, and it’s done beautifully.

Planting Step-By-Step

1. Timing is everything. Plant tarragon in spring after the last frost, when the soil warms up. It hates cold feet.
2. Spacing matters. This isn’t a clingy herb. Leave at least 18-24 inches between plants—they like their elbow room.
3. Plant it shallow. Dig a hole just deep enough to cover the root ball. Tarragon doesn’t want to be smothered.
4. Water immediately. Give it a good drink after planting, but don’t let it sit in soggy soil afterward. Wet feet? Not a fan.

Ongoing Care

Once established, tarragon’s surprisingly low maintenance. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, but don’t overdo it. It’s drought-tolerant—too much water makes it sulk.

Feed it sparingly. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring is usually enough. Honestly, it prefers leaner soil; overfeeding dampens its flavor.

“Tarragon thrives on a pinch of neglect. Baby it too much, and it gets lazy. Let it work for its keep.”

Prune regularly to keep it from getting leggy. Snipping off the top growth encourages bushiness and keeps the stems tender. Bonus: you get to harvest fresh leaves year-round.

Companion Planting and Pests

Tarragon is the garden’s introvert. It doesn’t play well directly alongside other herbs—you’ll want to give it its own space. That said, its scent can help deter aphids, so plant it nearby (but not too close).

Thankfully, it’s mostly pest- and disease-free. Even the deer seem to give it the cold shoulder. If only every plant were this self-sufficient.

Harvesting and Using Tarragon

Harvest leaves as soon as the plant has enough to spare. Grab a few sprigs in the morning when the oils are at their peak. Trust me, fresh tarragon elevates everything from roasted chicken to vinaigrettes.

If you end up with more than you can use, dry the leaves in a cool, shady spot. But here’s the truth: nothing beats the fresh stuff. Take it from someone who’s tried.

Growing tarragon isn’t just a gardening task. It’s a way of bringing a touch of grace and sophistication to your kitchen—and honestly, your life. Give it a spot in the garden, and watch it quietly work its magic. You’ll be glad you did.

Growing tarragon at home adds flavor and texture to your cooking, and learning how to plant it in your garden is a great way to start your own herb garden. It doesn't take much effort, is easy to maintain, and adds a flavorful ingredient to all kinds of recipes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, tarragon is an excellent addition to any garden.