Tarragon: Growing French Tarragon for Superior Culinary Flavor

Tarragon is a perennial herb with long, light green leaves and tiny greenish/yellowish-white flowers. Cooking: use French tarragon. Russian tarragon mimics French but is coarser, less flavorful.

Planting

• Cannot grow French tarragon from seeds. Buy plants or get established plant from friend. Transplant spring or fall.
• Well-drained soil, 2–3 ft apart for growth room. Mature plant covers ~12 inches soil.
• Height: ~2–3 ft.
• Good companion for most garden vegetables.

Care

• Prune regularly to prevent flowering and keep height ~2 ft (otherwise falls over).
• Colder climates: mulch late fall to protect roots in winter.
• Divide every 3–4 years in spring/fall. New plants from stem/root cuttings.

Pests and Diseases

• Many rusts, including white rust
• Downy mildew
• Powdery mildew
• Various fungal leaf/stem diseases

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest regularly. 2–3 plants suffice with regular pruning.
• Best fresh in summer.
• Freeze or dry leaves. Over-drying loses flavor—store airtight once dry.

Recommended Varieties

• French tarragon – excellent with meats, poultry, seafood

Wit & Wisdom

Put tarragon in your shoes before a long walk for strength.