Growing French tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
P                   P P

(Best months for growing French tarragon in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Plant cuttings or root division. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 6-8 weeks. Pick leaves when young for best flavour.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Aubergine (Eggplant) and Capsicum (Peppers)

Your comments and tips

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06 Jan 19, adrian (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Is it possible for French Tarragon to survive in Brisbane's climate? If so what special things if any should to do?
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06 Jan 19, Mike Logan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read the notes here it tells you how to look after it in sub tropical climate.
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12 Dec 18, Derek (New Zealand - temperate climate)
my french tarragon took off like a rocket in early spring, now has dwindled away. Should I spread and replant what's left of the tubers, or wait and hope for next spring?
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13 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look on the internet - how to grow tarragon - pay attention to how long it grows when to harvest etc.
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21 Aug 18, Jennifer Fitzsimmons (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy a French Perennial Tarragon I live on the Mornington Penninsular Victoria
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29 Aug 18, Marcelle (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
It is available from The Diggers Club and at the Heronswood garden shop in Dromana. Call ahead to make sure it is in stock.
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23 Jun 18, Anne-Marie (Australia - temperate climate)
My french tarragon that I have been growing for approx. 3 years now is growing more as a prostrate plant than an upright plant. The height is probably only about 7.5 cm but it has lots of long ground covering branches. Do you have any thoughts on why this would be so? Please use my e-mail address for your response. Much appreciated. Anne-Marie
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15 Jun 19, Ii (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have exactly the same issue and find that the taste is overpowering and bitter, and the leaves are small. It’s not as sweet as the tarragon I know. Did you find a solution?
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31 Jul 18, kelvan (Australia - temperate climate)
Cut plant to ground level in winter.Pull up and divide your plant/s early spring.
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28 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - temperate climate)
Try a new planting from different stock.
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Showing 21 - 30 of 59 comments
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I am looking for some French Tarragon. Can you help please.

- Wallis Weir

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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