Tarragon should be ready to harvest this month. Check for size and colour.
Growing Calendar
This month: Sep
Log to journalReady to harvest now
- •Check size and ripeness
- •Harvest regularly
- •Store or use fresh
Watch Out For
Not frost-hardy: protect the crown with a deep mulch in the ground, or better, grow in a container and move it to a sheltered spot or greenhouse over winter
Russian tarragon is sometimes sold labelled simply as 'tarragon' but has a much weaker, blander flavour than true French tarragon: buy from a supplier that names the variety specifically, and confirm by crushing a leaf, French tarragon has a distinct aniseed scent
A short-lived perennial that loses vigour after a few years in the same spot: divide and replant into fresh soil every 2-3 years
Grown Organically
Every method in this guide works with natural systems: no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.
Read our approachCommon Questions
About growing Tarragon in the UK
Why can't I find tarragon seeds that grow properly?
True French tarragon rarely produces viable seed in the UK, so what's sold as tarragon seed is almost always Russian tarragon, a related but much less flavourful plant. For the real thing, buy a young plant or a division explicitly labelled French tarragon.
Is tarragon hardy in the UK?
French tarragon has limited frost tolerance and can be killed by a hard winter, especially in heavy or wet soil. Grow it in a container where possible so it can be moved to a sheltered spot or greenhouse over winter, or mulch deeply if it's in the ground.
How do I know if I have French or Russian tarragon?
Crush a leaf and smell it. French tarragon has a distinct, strong aniseed scent; Russian tarragon smells much fainter and tastes noticeably blander. If a plant was grown from seed, it's almost certainly Russian tarragon.
How often should I divide tarragon?
Every 2-3 years in spring. French tarragon is a short-lived perennial that loses vigour and flavour if left undisturbed too long in the same spot, dividing and replanting into fresh soil keeps it productive.
Written from real growing experience, not just research. Read the story behind Pelham Gardens.
Member guides
There's more to growing Tarragon than this guide covers.
A Garden Journal to log what worked, a personalised sowing planner in My Garden, and monthly reminders timed to the calendar.
