Growing French Tarragon: A Garden Expert's Guide to Perfect Plants

French tarragon is one of the most distinctive herbs you can grow, prized for its remarkable anise and liquorice flavour. This elegant perennial can be somewhat fussy about its growing conditions but, with proper care, it will reward you with aromatic leaves throughout the growing seasons

Unlike many common herbs, French tarragon can only be propagated through cuttings or divisions, so you'll need to start with young plants in spring. Given that these plants can reach heights of up to 90 cm and spread to 1.5 m when conditions are just right, consider your garden space carefully. Thriving in well-drained, sandy soils and sunny positions, French tarragon does especially well in containers, making it easy to move indoors during frosty periods.

We are passionate about French tarragon for its exceptional culinary uses. Having your own plants ensures a ready supply of fresh leaves for enhancing fish and chicken dishes, creating authentic Béarnaise sauce, or infusing vinegars and oils with their distinctive taste. For the strongest flavour, harvest the young leaves from late spring through to early autumn.

Why French Tarragon Deserves a Spot in Your Garden

French tarragon offers far more than just attractive foliage. This special member of the sunflower family brings exceptional value to both gardens and kitchens, making it worth the extra care it sometimes requires.

Unique Flavour Profile

The distinctive flavour of French tarragon sets it apart from other culinary herbs. Its warm, sweet taste combines anise and liquorice notes with subtle hints of vanilla, mint, pepper, and even eucalyptus. This complex profile comes from estragole, the organic compound giving French tarragon its characteristic taste. Unlike Russian tarragon, French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) delivers a more intense, refined flavour that professional chefs prefer. Even people who typically dislike liquorice often find themselves drawn to French tarragon's gentle version of this flavour.

Popular Uses in French Cuisine

In France, tarragon has earned the title "king of herbs" because of its ability to elevate dishes. French chefs incorporate this versatile herb into numerous classic recipes, with Escoffier mentioning it no fewer than sixty times in his definitive guide to French cuisine. Tarragon forms an essential component of fines herbes - a signature French herb blend alongside parsley, chervil, and chives. It shines in béarnaise sauce, one of the great French sauces, where it contributes most of the signature aroma and flavour. Beyond these classics, fresh tarragon brings its magic to chicken, fish, eggs, and vegetable dishes, while also being perfect for infusing oils and vinegars.

Health and Digestive Benefits

Besides its culinary applications, French tarragon offers numerous health advantages. The herb contains eugenol, a compound with mild anaesthetic properties, historically used to relieve toothache pain. Tarragon has long been valued for its digestive properties, stimulating appetite and aiding digestion by triggering the body's natural digestive juices. Rich in potassium and vitamins A and C, tarragon also contains ingredients that combat certain bacteria.

Growing French Tarragon: Our Specialist Guide

Growing French tarragon requires specific techniques. Rely on vegetative propagation methods to establish these aromatic garden treasures in your collection.

Propagating French Tarragon

Since French tarragon rarely flowers or produces viable seeds, propagation through cuttings or division is your only option. For stem cuttings, we recommend:

• Taking 3-4 inch cuttings from young stems early in the morning
• Cutting just below a node and remove the lower third of leaves
• Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone
• Planting in warm, moist potting soil and mist regularly
• Once roots form, transplanting to your garden or container

For division, spring is ideal when new shoots emerge. Use a sharp knife rather than a shovel, as tarragon roots are quite brittle. Each parent plant typically yields 3–5 new plants.

Perfect Timing for Planting

Mid-April to early May presents the ideal window for planting French tarragon outdoors. This timing ensures young plants avoid late frosts while giving them the full growing season to establish. When planting, space them approximately 24 inches apart to allow proper air circulation.

For container planting, choose pots that provide ample room for rhizome growth to prevent the plant from becoming pot-bound. Initially, water newly planted tarragon regularly until established, then reduce the frequency.

Thriving in British Weather

French tarragon isn't fully hardy and can struggle with the UK's wet winters. A good solution is to grow it in containers, which makes it easy to move plants to frost-free locations during winter. If planting directly in garden soil, incorporate plenty of horticultural grit to improve drainage. Poor drainage, rather than cold, typically causes winter losses. For in-ground plants, consider covering with fleece or straw for winter protection.

Position your plants in a sunny, sheltered spot to maximise growth and flavour development. Plants will thrive for approximately 3-4 years before needing replacement, as flavour can deteriorate with age.

Maintaining Healthy French Tarragon Plants

Proper maintenance is crucial for keeping your French tarragon thriving throughout the growing season. With the right care routine, these aromatic plants will reward you with flavourful leaves for your culinary creations.

Water and Feeding Requirements

French tarragon requires a careful watering approach as it strongly dislikes soggy conditions. Allow the soil to dry between waterings - this drought-tolerant herb prefers things on the drier side. For newly planted tarragon, water every day during dry weather until established. Subsequently, mature plants typically need light watering every few days during summer but check the top inch of soil first - if it's moist, hold off.

Container-grown plants require more frequent attention, possibly every 1–3 days during hot periods. Nevertheless, even potted specimens should never stand in water, as this quickly leads to poor health.

French tarragon has remarkably low fertiliser requirements. Over-fertilising diminishes both growth quality and flavour intensity. A light application of compost in spring is generally sufficient - the best flavour develops in nutrient-poor soils. Avoid rich, acidic soil, which results in poor growth and reduced flavour.

Dealing with Poor Drainage and Root Rot

Poor drainage poses the greatest threat to French tarragon's health. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, stunted growth, and mushy roots. To prevent this common issue, ensure your soil drains well by incorporating:

• Horticultural sand or grit
• Perlite or vermiculite
• Light compost (no manure)

For container-grown plants, choose pots with adequate drainage holes. Alternatively, create a drainage layer at the bottom of containers. During rainy periods, be vigilant about plants standing in water. Consider growing tarragon in raised beds if your garden soil tends to waterlog.

Dividing Plants for Better Yield

Division rejuvenates French tarragon plants every 2 - 3 years, maintaining vigour and flavour. Early spring, just as new shoots emerge, presents the ideal time for this task. Carefully dig around the plant, gently lift the root ball, and shake away excess soil. Using a sharp, clean knife, cut the root mass into sections, ensuring each division has both roots and new green shoots.

Replant divisions immediately in well-prepared soil or containers, watering thoroughly until established. This process not only improves yield but also extends the productive life of your French tarragon, as older plants naturally tire and produce less growth after about three years.

Creative Ways to Use Fresh Tarragon in Cooking

Once your French tarragon plants are established, it's time to explore their culinary potential. This prized herb transforms ordinary dishes into gourmet experiences with its distinctive anise-liquorice flavour.

French Tarragon Chicken and Other Recipes

French tarragon chicken stands as the quintessential showcase for this herb's unique character. This classic dish typically features chicken thighs braised in white wine, finished with cream and generous amounts of fresh tarragon. The herb infuses the sauce with its signature aniseed notes while creating a harmonious balance with the rich, creamy texture.

For authentic preparation, first brown the chicken pieces and then simmer them with shallots, garlic and bacon. Finally, add cider or white wine, Dijon mustard and tarragon before finishing with cream. Serve alongside basmati rice, buttery mashed potatoes or crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.

Infusing Oils and Vinegars

Preserving tarragon's distinctive flavour through infusions allows you to enjoy it year-round. For tarragon oil, blanch fresh leaves briefly in simmering water, refresh in ice water, then blitz with neutral oil until bright green. Strain through a cloth for a vibrant finishing oil that elevates soups, bread dishes, and simple poached eggs.

Similarly, tarragon vinegar requires minimal effort yet delivers impressive results. Simply bring white wine vinegar to a boil, pour over fresh tarragon leaves in a sterilised jar, and leave to steep for 2-4 weeks. The resulting vinegar adds aromatic complexity to salad dressings, coleslaw, potato salad and pan sauces.

Pairing Tarragon with Fish, Eggs, and Vegetables

Tarragon's delicate anise flavour creates magical combinations with fish, particularly when used in sauces or butters. The herb works beautifully with everything from salmon to white fish, lobster to scallops, delivering that signature French sophistication.

For egg dishes, tarragon brings unexpected elegance to scrambled eggs, omelettes, and devilled eggs. Try tarragon egg salad featuring hard-boiled eggs mixed with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh tarragon - a perfect spring lunch option.

Likewise, roasted or grilled seasonal vegetables gain French bistro charm with tarragon. Toss summer vegetables in olive oil, lemon juice and chopped tarragon before roasting, or create a tarragon-mustard vinaigrette for drizzling over asparagus, turnips or fennel.

Conclusion

French tarragon is one of the most rewarding herbs you can grow. While it demands specific growing conditions, the effort proves worthwhile when you taste its distinctive anise-liquorice flavour enhancing home-cooked meals. Unlike many garden herbs, this perennial requires thoughtful placement in well-drained soil and regular division every few years to maintain its vigour and flavour profile.

The versatility of fresh tarragon leaves transforms everyday cooking into something truly special. From classic French chicken dishes to homemade infused oils and vinegars, this herb elevates countless recipes with its sophisticated taste. The health benefits, including digestive support and antibacterial properties, provide another compelling reason to make space for this aristocrat of herbs in your garden.

Remember that successful French tarragon cultivation depends primarily on managing moisture levels and providing adequate drainage. These simple precautions help prevent the root rot that often challenges gardeners. Whether grown in containers that can be sheltered during wet UK winters or in carefully prepared garden beds, French tarragon will reward your attention with years of aromatic harvests.

Once you've experienced the unmatched flavour of freshly picked tarragon leaves compared to dried alternatives, you'll understand why generations of gardeners have treasured this sometimes fussy but always flavourful herb. Despite its reputation for being particular about its growing conditions, the satisfaction of cultivating your own French tarragon makes the journey worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions about French Tarragon

How do I ensure the successful growth of French tarragon? 

French tarragon thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water sparingly to avoid root rot and divide plants every couple of years. Harvest by taking cuttings from stems at even intervals to maintain shape.

What's the ideal location for planting French tarragon?

Plant French tarragon in a sunny spot with well-drained soil after the last spring frost. In areas with very hot summers (above 32°C), provide partial shade to increase plant survival.

How should I care for my French tarragon plant? 

Keep the soil moist and ensure plenty of sunlight. Water thoroughly but infrequently, and cut the plant back to the ground several times during the growing season to encourage fresh growth.

Are there any plants I should avoid planting near French tarragon?

While French tarragon grows well alongside herbs like lovage and marjoram, it's best to avoid planting it near dill or parsley as these can negatively affect its growth.

How can I use fresh French tarragon in cooking?

French tarragon is versatile in the kitchen. Use it to enhance chicken dishes, infuse oils and vinegars, or pair it with fish, eggs, and vegetables. It's particularly delicious in classic French recipes like béarnaise sauce.