How to Plant, Grow and Care for Tarragon Easily
Tarragon is more than just a flavorful herb. It’s a medicinal plant, a kitchen staple, and an easy addition to your home garden. Whether you’re planting it in your backyard, balcony pots, or raised beds, Artemisia dracunculus (commonly known as tarragon or estragon) brings both aroma and benefits to your daily life.
Let’s explore in detail how to cultivate it successfully and enjoy its many uses — from health remedies to culinary magic.
Botanical Overview: What Is Tarragon?
Scientific name: Artemisia dracunculus
Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)
Origin: Southern Russia and Siberia
Type: Perennial, herbaceous with rhizomatous roots
Tarragon grows up to 1 meter tall with upright greenish-brown stems and delicate, light-green narrow leaves. The undersides of the leaves contain tiny oil glands that release a signature spicy scent, making the plant instantly recognizable.
While its yellow-green flowers are small and not especially decorative, they are used in cooking and herbal remedies.
Flowering & Fruit
Flowering Season: July to October
Fruits: Small achenes (often infertile) containing tiny seeds
Ideal Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun is best, but protect from harsh winds
Climate: Prefers temperate climates; avoid extreme heat or frost
Winter Protection: Use mulch like straw or dry leaves in colder areas
Soil: Needs loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Before planting, loosen the soil thoroughly using a garden fork. Avoid flipping the soil upside down—just break it up to aerate. Mix in aged compost or manure for a nutrient boost.
Watering Tips
Tarragon doesn’t demand much water. Rain is usually enough, but in hot, dry spells, give it a light watering. Never overdo it—this herb prefers slightly dry roots.
Fertilizing
At the start of spring, apply a slow-release fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This supports healthy foliage and root growth during the plant’s active phase.
How to Plant Tarragon
Seed Sowing: Directly in the soil. In warmer regions, sow in autumn. In cooler areas, wait until spring.
Transplanting (French Tarragon): As French tarragon rarely produces fertile seeds, use rooted cuttings or divided clumps.
Timing: Late spring (April–May)
Spacing: 30 cm between plants, 60 cm between rows
Propagation
Spring: Divide mature clumps and replant.
Summer: Take 10 cm tip cuttings and root them in moist soil.
Pruning
Prune back about two-thirds of each stem before winter. Use clean, sharp garden shears. Cover the base with mulch to shield roots from frost damage.
Harvesting & Storing
Fresh Use: Pick leaves as needed, especially before the plant flowers.
Drying: Harvest in mid-summer, bundle the stems, and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place.
Freezing: Store fresh leaves in food-safe freezer bags for longer shelf life.
Common Issues
Tarragon is relatively resilient but can suffer from:
Rust fungus: Affects lower leaves
Root rot: Caused by poor drainage or overwatering
Natural Solutions:
Remove infected areas immediately
Treat with essential oils (thyme, mint, lavender) to prevent spread
Culinary Uses
Tarragon’s aromatic leaves are widely used in:
Classic sauces: Béarnaise, tartar
Dishes with chicken, fish, eggs, and fresh cheeses
Seasoning vinegars and salad dressings
Flavoring fresh sausages and other cured meats
Medicinal Uses
Appetite booster: Tarragon tea stimulates digestion
Anti-parasitic: Two cups per day can help with intestinal worms
Toothache relief: Apply a warm poultice of mashed leaves
Joint pain: Use leaf-infused foot or hand soaks to ease stiffness
Why You Should Grow Tarragon
Whether you’re drawn by its culinary uses or health benefits, tarragon is a low-maintenance plant that gives back much more than it asks. With proper care, it will thrive for years—adding greenery, flavor, and wellness to your home.
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