Product Field NotesHerb Plants
French Tarragon: The Anise-Flavored Herb Grown Only from Plants
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French tarragon is the classic cooking tarragon, with narrow, glossy green leaves that taste of sweet anise and licorice. It is a loose, upright perennial that grows 2 to 3 feet tall and spreads slowly by creeping roots.
Here is the catch that makes buying a plant worthwhile: French tarragon almost never flowers, and when it does, it does not set viable seed. True French tarragon only comes from cuttings or division, so a packet of "tarragon seed" will not give you the same flavor.
French tarragon at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Artemisia dracunculus 'Sativa' |
| Leaves | Narrow, lance-shaped, aromatic green, 1 to 3 inches long |
| Flowers | Rare; small, nodding, pale yellow and sterile |
| Size | 24 to 36 inches tall, 12 to 15 inches wide |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4a to 8b |
| Water | Low |
| Flavor | Sweet anise and licorice |
| Deer | Resistant |
Why it suits a lavender garden
French tarragon tolerates heat and dry soil, and the thing most likely to kill it is the same thing that kills lavender: poorly drained ground. That makes it a comfortable neighbor in a sunny herb bed with lavender, thyme and sage, all of which want lean, dry conditions.
It is a foliage plant, not a showy one. Its upright, fine green leaves are a quiet backdrop for lavender's purple spikes and a nice textural change from silver foliage. Because it gets 2 to 3 feet tall, place it behind lower lavenders or at the end of a row. The Companion Plant Planner helps with placement.
Planting and care
- Soil: well drained. Root and crown rot in moist, heavy soil is the main problem.
- Light: sun. Where summers pass 90 F, a little afternoon shade improves survival.
- Water: low once established.
- Fall: it dies to the ground in winter and returns in spring in zone 5-6 when the soil drains well.
- Dividing: lift and divide every few years in spring to keep the clump vigorous and flavorful.
Cooking with tarragon
Use young tips and leaves fresh; the flavor is best that way and fades with drying. Tarragon is the herb behind classic tarragon vinegar, and it is lovely in oils, marinades, egg dishes, chicken and salads. To make a simple vinegar, pack a clean jar with fresh sprigs, cover with warm white wine vinegar, steep for a couple of weeks in a cool, dark place, then strain.
Harvest regularly by snipping stem tips. It encourages bushier growth and keeps leaves tender.
Sizes offered
French tarragon comes as 3-inch plugs, 4-inch pots and 1-gallon pots. Since it cannot be grown true from seed, a plant is the way to start. See the product page for current sizes and availability.
Frequently asked questions
Why can I not find French tarragon seed?
French tarragon does not produce viable seed. Seed sold as tarragon is usually a different, less flavorful type.
Does it come back every year?
Yes. It is a hardy perennial in zones 4a to 8b that dies back in winter and returns in spring.
Will it attract pollinators?
Not much. It rarely flowers, so it is grown for its leaves.
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