Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is an herbaceous perennial plant in the sunflower family. It is native to much of Europe and western Asia and is cultivated in many parts of the world. The leaves of the plant are narrow and lance-shaped, and are a bright green color. The leaves have a distinct anise-like flavor and are used in many culinary dishes. The flowers of the plant are small and yellowish-green in color. Tarragon is generally grown as an annual in colder climates, but can be grown as a perennial in warmer climates.
Planning Your Garden With Tarragon
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| USDA Zone | Tarragon is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as 28. |
| Days to harvest | Tarragon is a perennial herb, so it can be harvested throughout the growing season. Depending on the climate, tarragon can be harvested as soon as the leaves are large enough to use, which can be as little as 30 days after planting. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown tarragon plant is about 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Tarragon prefers full sun and well-drained soil. When planting, space the plants 10-12 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Tarragon is a sun-loving herb and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. |
| Shade tolerance | Tarragon is considered to be a sun-loving plant, but it can tolerate partial shade. It will grow best when planted in a sunny location with some light afternoon shade. |
| Water requirements | Tarragon prefers moist, well-drained soil, but it should not be kept too wet. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry and provide 1 inch of water per week. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing tarragon depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a light application of a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or a slow-release fertilizer should be applied at the beginning of the growing season. If the soil is poor, a higher rate of fertilizer may be needed. It is best to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the best results. |
| Soil pH | Tarragon prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Tarragon is Popular
People like to grow tarragon because it is a flavorful herb that is easy to grow and adds a unique flavor to dishes. It is a popular herb in French cooking and is used to flavor many dishes, including sauces, salads, and stews.
Companion Plants For Tarragon
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for tarragon include:
Common Pests For Tarragon
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow tarragon, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- snails
- slugs
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
