Ready to grow? Get tarragon from our trusted partner nurseries and seed suppliers.
Links may earn GrowScore a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tarragon (French) is considered one of the finest culinary herbs in the world — indispensable in classic French cuisine for béarnaise sauce, tarragon vinegar, and fines herbes. Its slender, glossy leaves carry a sophisticated anise-licorice flavor with a slight peppery warmth that's impossible to replicate with Russian tarragon or dried herbs. French Tarragon grows 18–24 inches tall as a perennial in zones 4–9 but crucially does not produce viable seeds — it must be propagated from divisions or cuttings. This biological trait is what separates authentic French Tarragon from inferior, seed-grown Russian Tarragon, which tastes like little more than plain grass.
Purchase French Tarragon as a started plant or division — never from seed (seed-grown plants are Russian Tarragon, which is inferior). Plant in full sun in light, very well-drained soil. Tarragon hates wet feet and will rot in heavy, poorly drained soil. Space plants 18–24 inches apart. Water moderately — allow soil to dry between waterings. Divide clumps every 2–3 years in spring as productivity declines over time. Harvest stems in the morning once plants reach 8 inches; cut back by half after mid-season to encourage fresh, tender new growth. Dry tarragon quickly at low heat to preserve the volatile anise oils; fresh or frozen-in-oil preserves flavor far better than air-drying. Protect crowns with mulch in zones 4–5.
More herb that grow in similar conditions:
Find the best deal on tarragon from top-rated retailers. We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.