How to Grow Tarragon

mediumGardening60-90 days7 steps

Safety Warnings

Avoid planting near Black Walnut trees as they produce juglone toxin which is harmful to tarragon.

stainless steel hand trowel — standard garden size

bypass pruners — precision cutting blades

well-draining potting mix — organic blend(as needed)

organic mulch — coarse litter or straw(2-3 inches deep)

Prepare the soil by ensuring it is well-draining. If planting in the ground, ensure the site is away from Black Walnut trees and Fennel.

Tip: French tarragon and Mexican tarragon both thrive in warm, well-drained conditions.

Sow seeds or transplant seedlings into the prepared soil or containers.

Tip: Ensure sufficient spacing to allow for air circulation.

Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but avoid waterlogging the roots.

Tip: Check soil moisture daily during extreme heat waves.

Apply a layer of coarse litter or straw mulch around the base of the plant during dry seasons to retain moisture.

Tip: Mulching helps establish the root system in dry environments.

Utilize companion planting to naturally repel pests. Plant French tarragon near tomatoes, peppers, or eggplant to deter hornworms and aphids.

Tip: Mexican tarragon is an excellent neighbor for squash and beans to attract beneficial insects.

Monitor growth and prune the herb using bypass pruners to encourage bushy growth and remove any spindly shoots.

Tip: Avoid planting near Mint, as it is an aggressive spreader that can overwhelm tarragon.

Harvest leaves as needed once the plant is established and the foliage is lush.

Tip: Frequent harvesting of the leaves encourages new growth.

French tarragon repels tomato hornworms and can improve the flavor of nearby tomatoes.
Mexican tarragon attracts beneficial wasps that prey on carrot fly larvae.
Avoid planting near Fennel, as its allelopathic compounds inhibit tarragon growth.

Synthesized from 10 verified sources:

Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →

Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →

Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →

Cornell ExtensionView →

Old Farmer's AlmanacView →

Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →

GrowstuffView →

Gutenberg: A-B-C of Vegetable GardeningView →