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French Tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa

a small green plant in the middle of the grass

The aristocrat of culinary herbs, true French tarragon is essential for classic French cuisine with its distinctive anise-like flavor and sophisticated aroma. Unlike Russian tarragon, this sterile variety must be grown from cuttings and offers incomparably superior flavor. A must-have for serious cooks who want to create authentic béarnaise sauce and fine herb blends.

Harvest

60-90d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

3–8

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for French Tarragon in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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French Tarragon · Zones 3–8

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing18-24 inches

SoilWell-drained, sandy loam with good drainage

pH6.5-7.5

WaterModerate, allow soil to dry between waterings

SeasonCool to warm season perennial

FlavorDelicate anise flavor with hints of vanilla and pepper, slightly bitter finish

ColorBright to dark green

Size2-3 inch narrow leaves

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	—	July – October
Zone 4	March – April	June – July	—	July – October
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	—	June – October
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	—	June – November
Zone 7	February – March	April – June	—	June – November
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	—	May – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Very Dry. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Division, Root Cutting, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Edibility: Leaves and seeds

Storage & Preservation

Fresh French tarragon stems keep best stored like cut flowers – trim stem ends and place in water, cover leaves loosely with plastic, and refrigerate for 7-10 days. Alternatively, wrap stems in damp paper towels inside plastic bags.

For drying, hang small bundles in a dark, well-ventilated area at 70-80°F. French tarragon retains more flavor when dried quickly at low heat (95°F) in a dehydrator rather than air-drying. Store dried leaves whole in airtight containers away from light.

Freezing works exceptionally well – pack clean leaves in ice cube trays with water or olive oil for easy portioning. French tarragon vinegar captures the herb's essence beautifully: pack fresh stems in white wine vinegar and steep for 2-4 weeks. The preserved herb maintains its distinctive anise notes better than most herbs when properly processed.

History & Origin

Origin: Temperate Europe and Asia, central-western North America

Advantages

+Edible: Leaves and seeds

Considerations

-Toxic (Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Seeds, Stems): Low severity
-Causes contact dermatitis

Companion Plants

Nightshades — tomatoes, peppers, eggplant — are the strongest pairing here. Tarragon is said to deter aphids and two-spotted spider mites, and since both pests hit nightshades hard anyway, slipping a tarragon plant 18 inches from a tomato cage costs you almost nothing in bed space. Cabbage family crops get similar mileage, with tarragon's volatile oils potentially disrupting the host-finding behavior of imported cabbageworm moths (Pieris rapae). Skip fennel — it's broadly allelopathic and suppresses most plants within a few feet, tarragon included — and keep mint at least 3 feet back, since it spreads by rhizome and will crowd out tarragon's root zone within a single season.

Plant Together

Tomatoes

Tarragon repels tomato hornworms and other pests while improving tomato flavor

Peppers

Tarragon deters aphids and spider mites that commonly attack pepper plants

Eggplant

Helps repel flea beetles and other pests that damage eggplant foliage

Cabbage

Tarragon repels cabbage worms and cabbage loopers while attracting beneficial insects

Broccoli

Deters cabbage moths and imported cabbage worms that damage brassicas

Parsley

Both herbs have similar growing requirements and tarragon helps repel carrot flies

Chives

Complementary pest control as chives repel aphids while tarragon deters other insects

Marigolds

Both plants repel nematodes and various garden pests when grown together

Keep Apart

Fennel

Inhibits tarragon growth through allelopathic compounds and competes for nutrients

Mint

Aggressive spreader that can overwhelm tarragon and alter soil conditions

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that is harmful to tarragon and most other herbs

Nutrition Facts

Calories

295kcal(15%)

Protein

22.8g(46%)

Fiber

7.4g(26%)

Carbs

50.2g(18%)

Fat

7.24g(9%)

Vitamin C

50mg(56%)

Vitamin A

210mcg(23%)

Iron

32.3mg(179%)

Calcium

1140mg(88%)

Potassium

3020mg(64%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #170937)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Generally disease resistant when grown in well-drained soil

Common Pests

Spider mites, aphids, root rot in wet conditions

Diseases

Root rot, powdery mildew in humid conditions

Troubleshooting French Tarragon

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Leaves developing white, powdery coating, usually in midsummer when nights are warm and humid

Likely Causes

Powdery mildew — a fungal infection that thrives when air circulation is poor and humidity is high
Plants spaced too close together (under 18 inches), preventing foliage from drying out between dews

What to Do

1.Cut affected stems back hard — tarragon regrows quickly — and trash the clippings, don't compost them
2.Thin the clump if it has spread beyond 24 inches wide; open the center up so air moves through
3.Water at the base rather than overhead to keep foliage dry between waterings

Stems wilting and collapsing at the base, roots turning brown or black, often after a wet stretch

Likely Causes

Root rot — most commonly Pythium or Phytophthora species — triggered by waterlogged soil
Heavy clay soil or a low spot that holds water after rain

What to Do

1.Dig the plant, cut away all blackened roots with clean shears, and let the root ball air out for an hour before replanting
2.Relocate to a raised bed — even 6 inches of elevation makes a real difference in drainage
3.Amend the planting hole with coarse sand or perlite; NC State Extension notes that excellent drainage is non-negotiable for Mediterranean herbs like tarragon

Foliage stippled with tiny pale dots, fine webbing visible on undersides of leaves in hot, dry weather

Likely Causes

Two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) — populations can double in under a week once temperatures climb above 85°F
Dusty conditions or plants stressed from under-watering, which speed mite spread

What to Do

1.Blast the undersides of leaves with a firm jet of water three mornings in a row — this physically removes mites and eggs
2.For a heavy infestation, apply insecticidal soap directly to leaf undersides; NC State Extension confirms it's appropriate for mite outbreaks on culinary herbs where traditional pesticides aren't labeled
3.Back off nitrogen fertilizer — soft, lush growth is exactly what mites prefer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you grow French tarragon from seeds?▼

No, true French tarragon cannot be grown from seeds because it's a sterile variety that doesn't produce viable seeds. Any 'French tarragon' seeds sold are actually Russian tarragon, which has inferior flavor. You must purchase established plants or cuttings from reputable herb nurseries to get authentic French tarragon.

What's the difference between French and Russian tarragon?▼

French tarragon has an intense, sweet anise flavor with vanilla notes, while Russian tarragon tastes bitter and grassy with little culinary value. French tarragon is sterile and propagated by cuttings, whereas Russian tarragon produces seeds. French tarragon is less cold-hardy but far superior for cooking applications.

How long does French tarragon take to grow?▼

French tarragon can be harvested 60-90 days after planting established plants or rooted cuttings. Since it's a perennial, plants continue producing for many years, with peak harvesting from late spring through early fall. Plants reach full maturity and maximum productivity in their second year.

Can you grow French tarragon in containers?▼

Yes, French tarragon grows well in containers using terracotta or clay pots with excellent drainage. Use a 12-16 inch wide pot with quality potting mix amended with perlite. Container plants need winter chill in unheated garages or cold frames in zones 4-7 for proper dormancy and flavor development.

Is French tarragon good for beginners?▼

French tarragon is moderately challenging for beginners due to its specific drainage requirements and need for winter dormancy. Success depends on avoiding overwatering and providing proper growing conditions. Once established, it's relatively low-maintenance, but the initial investment and care requirements make it better suited for intermediate gardeners.

When should I plant French tarragon?▼

Plant French tarragon in late spring after the last frost when soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F. In most regions, this means late April to early June. Fall planting works in zones 7-9, giving plants time to establish before winter. Avoid planting during hot summer months when establishment is more difficult.