Tarragon

What you'll need:

Tarragon seeds or young plants (you can usually find these at garden centers)

A pot (at least 8-10 inches deep) or a small patch in your garden

Well-draining soil (you can mix some sand into regular soil if it feels too heavy)

Some basic fertilizer (a general-purpose one will do)

When to start:

Tarragon is best planted in early spring when the weather begins to warm up but isn’t too hot yet. If you're starting with seeds, you can begin indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost date. For outdoor planting, wait until the risk of frost has passed.

Finding a good spot:

Tarragon prefers partial shade, meaning it likes a mix of sun and shade throughout the day. If you’re growing it indoors, place it near a window that gets morning sunlight but is shaded in the afternoon. If planting outside, pick a spot where it won't get full, harsh sunlight all day long.

Note: Tarragon doesn’t like soggy soil, so ensure your pot or garden bed has good drainage.

If using seeds:

1. Fill small pots or seed trays with moist soil.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top and cover them very lightly with soil (they need light to germinate).
3. Keep the soil damp but not soaking wet.
4. Place the pots in a warm area with indirect light.
5. Seeds should sprout within 7-14 days.
6. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and have a couple of leaves, you can transplant them into larger pots or outdoors.

If using young plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball of the young plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole and gently cover it with soil, pressing lightly around the base.
3. Water thoroughly right after planting.

Spacing:

• If planting multiple tarragon plants, leave about 12-18 inches between each one so they have enough room to grow.
• If using pots, make sure each plant has its own container, ideally 8-10 inches wide.

Tip: Tarragon doesn’t like being moved around too much once it’s settled, so try to avoid frequent repotting.

Watering:

• Tarragon doesn’t like to be overwatered. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
• Stick your finger into the soil; if it feels dry an inch down, it's time to water.
• Water deeply but infrequently—this encourages the roots to grow deeper.

Feeding:

• Feed your tarragon every 4-6 weeks with a light application of a balanced fertilizer (the kind labeled for vegetables or herbs works well).
• Don’t over-fertilize! Too much food will make the plant grow lots of leaves, but the flavor may suffer.

Pruning:

• Regularly trim back the tips of your tarragon plant. This helps it bush out and prevents it from getting leggy.
• You can start trimming once the plant is about 6 inches tall. Just snip off the top few inches of growth with scissors.

Sunlight & Temperature:

• As mentioned earlier, tarragon enjoys partial shade. If it gets too much direct sunlight, especially in hot climates, it might dry out quickly.
• Tarragon prefers cooler temperatures and does well in zones where summers aren’t scorching. If it gets too hot, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Pest & Disease Care:

• Tarragon is pretty hardy, but watch out for aphids or spider mites. If you see any pests, rinse the plant with water or use a mild insecticidal soap.
• Avoid watering the leaves directly to prevent fungal diseases.

When to harvest:

• You can start harvesting tarragon once the plant is about 6-8 inches tall.
• The best time to pick tarragon is just before the plant flowers because this is when the flavor is strongest.
• You can continue harvesting throughout the growing season, but don’t take more than one-third of the plant at a time.

How to harvest:

• Use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut off stems about 2-3 inches above the ground.
• Always cut from the outer parts of the plant to encourage new growth in the center.
• Try to harvest in the morning when the oils in the leaves are most concentrated, giving you the best flavor.

Storage:

• Fresh tarragon can be stored in the fridge for a few days. Wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.
• For longer storage, you can freeze tarragon by chopping it up and putting it in ice cube trays with water or oil.
• Drying tarragon is also an option, though dried tarragon loses some of its flavor compared to fresh.

Q: Why is my tarragon turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t staying too wet. Check your pot or garden bed for proper drainage.

Q: Can I grow tarragon indoors year-round?

A: Yes, you can! Tarragon grows well indoors as long as it gets enough light. Place it near a bright window with indirect sunlight, and make sure the room temperature stays fairly cool.

Q: Does tarragon come back every year?

A: Tarragon is a perennial, which means it can come back year after year if it’s protected from extreme cold. In colder climates, you might want to bring potted tarragon indoors during winter or mulch heavily around outdoor plants.

Q: My tarragon plant is flowering—should I let it?

A: While flowering is natural, it can reduce the flavor intensity of the leaves. To keep the flavor strong, snip off flower buds as soon as you see them forming.

Q: How do I stop my tarragon from getting too woody?

A: Regular pruning is key! Trim back the plant often to encourage new, tender growth. If it starts to get too leggy or woody, cut it back by about one-third to rejuvenate it.