French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var ‘Sativa’). French tarragon is a strongly aromatic perennial herb, hardy to Zone 4, and a staple in French cuisine. The French variety (var. ‘Sativa’) is considered to have a better flavour than Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus dracunculoides). French tarragon does not set viable seed; if you are offered seed, it is NOT French tarragon!
Cultivation: Outdoors, French tarragon thrives in well-drained garden soil amended with organic matter (such as compost) or in containers. Established plants prefer full sun, where they may grow up to a metre tall. Tarragon has a twisting serpentine root structure and may need containing in a specialised area of the garden or in a bottomless pot to keep it in bounds. Keep plants well-watered to ensure steady growth. Frequent harvesting of the growing tips and removal of flower buds will encourage a bushier plant and a steady supply of fresh leaves for harvesting all summer. French tarragon can also be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill, but growth will not be as vigorous as outdoors.
French tarragon dies back to the ground in winter. If it is planted in well-drained soil and with some winter protection (such as leaves or straw) it is hardy in Southern Ontario and should come back in the spring. Divide the plant in the spring every three to four years to ensure ongoing vigour. The same applies for container-grown plants that will become root-bound after two or three years. French tarragon can only be propagated by division and cuttings.
Tarragon is slightly susceptible to mildew. Remove affected leaves or shoots, ensure good air circulation, and clean up any debris on the soil surface in the fall.
Disclaimer: Toronto Master Gardeners does not advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. Any information in the recommended resources should be regarded as being for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any medical or health treatment.
For more information:
CC Grow knowledge base http://www.phytotheca.com/phytotheca/tarragon-french/
RHS Herbs: Growing https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=679
RHS Grow Your Own Herbs https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/herbs/tarragon
University of Illinois Extension https://web.extension.illinois.edu/herbs/french-tarragon.cfm
Gardeners Path https://gardenerspath.com/plants/herbs/how-to-grow-tarragon/
Date prepared: December 2021
Prepared by the Toronto Master Gardeners, these Gardening Guides provide introductory information on a variety of gardening topics. Toronto Master Gardeners are part of a large, international volunteer community committed to providing the public with horticultural information, education and inspiration. Our goal is to help Toronto residents use safe, effective, proven and sustainable horticultural practices to create gardens, landscapes and communities that are both vibrant and healthy.
Statement on Invasive Plants: When choosing plants, avoid invasive plants, which can spread quickly and dominate gardens. Invasive plants are sold by nurseries, big box stores or even at community plant sales. Invasives may already be present in your garden. They can invade gardens by spreading from under a neighbour’s fence or may be transported by wildlife. For beautiful, sustainable options to invasive plants, see the Ontario Invasive Plant Council’s “Grow Me Instead – Beautiful Non-Invasive Plants for your Garden” at https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/resources/grow-me-instead/before purchasing or accepting “gifts” of plants.
Statement on Home Remedies: The Toronto Master Gardeners do not recommend home remedies, as these have not been proven effective through scientific investigation, and may even damage other living organisms in the soil or plants in your garden. There are other garden friendly options you can use.
If you have further gardening questions, reach us at our gardening advice line 416 397 1345 or by posting your question here in the Ask a Master Gardener section. To book Toronto Master Gardener volunteers for talks, demonstrations, advice clinics, or other services, please contact us at 416 397 1345 or bookamg@torontomastergardeners.ca