Botanical profile

Tarragon

Latin name
Artemisia dracunculus
Common name
Tarragon
Type
Perennial
Family
Asteraceae

Tarragon is a perennial herb highly valued for its narrow, green, and aromatic foliage, with a delicate, slightly anise-like fragrance. An essential ingredient in the kitchen, it adds a refined flavor to sauces, vinaigrettes, marinades, fish, poultry, eggs, vegetables, potatoes, and cream-based dishes. Its elegant habit and fine foliage integrate beautifully into herb gardens, vegetable patches, edible borders, and containers near the kitchen.

Easy to grow, tarragon prefers a sunny to slightly semi-shaded location, in light, fertile, and very well-drained soil. It tolerates slightly dry soil better than excessive moisture, especially when temperatures are cooler. Whether in pots or in the ground, regular harvesting of young shoots encourages a denser, bushier, and more productive plant. Light pruning during the season also helps maintain tender and flavorful foliage.

Both aromatic, decorative, and very versatile, tarragon is an essential plant for creating a gourmet garden with fine and classic flavors. Its leaves are best when used fresh or added at the end of cooking to preserve their subtle fragrance. It is an excellent herb for gardeners looking for a durable, elegant, and indispensable plant for home cooking.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Fine aromatic foliage with an aniseed flavor, essential in French cuisine
Vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, container, French cuisine
Container growing
Container culture excellent in a well-drained container
Seasonal care
Divide clumps every 3 to 4 years; cut back dry foliage in spring; protect from waterlogged soil in winter
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 5 and above
Exposure
Full sun
Watering
Moderate; allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings
Humidity
Low to moderate humidity; prefers well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light compost in spring; avoid excessive fertilizer
Soil type
Light, fertile, rather dry, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
Minimum temperature
-30°C
Propagation method
Division or cuttings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
Pale green to greenish white
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Bushy, upright, and airy habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
45 to 90 cm (18 to 36 inches)
Width
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Growth rate
Average growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, chives
Plants to avoid
Plants that require very moist or constantly waterlogged soil
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
Spring to Fall Leaves
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

Repellent

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.