Tarragon

French tarragon is prized for its aniseed flavour, essential in classic French cooking. Not reliably hardy and rarely grown from seed in the UK, buy a named plant or divide an existing one.

Written by Yemi · Last reviewed August 2026

Waiting this month

First sprouts in French tarragon rarely sets viable seed in the UK, propagate by division or cuttings instead

Difficulty

Out of season right now. The next sowing window opens in April.

Growing Calendar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Sow

Transplant

Harvest

This month: Oct

Plan ahead for this crop

•Check growing conditions
•Prepare for next stage

Sowing Guide

What you'd find on the seed packet

Sow Depth

Not typically grown from seed in the UK

Spacing

30cm

Germination

French tarragon rarely sets viable seed in the UK, propagate by division or cuttings instead

Thinning

Not applicable

Grower's Note

If seed is offered for sale simply as 'tarragon' without specifying French, it is very likely Russian tarragon, a different, much milder-flavoured plant. True French tarragon is propagated vegetatively, not from seed.

Recommended Varieties

Always buy or source plants explicitly labelled 'French tarragon' (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa). Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides) looks similar but lacks the real flavour.

Planting Out Guide

Best spaces, conditions and how to plant out

Plant Spacing

30cm

Best Grown In

A container that can be moved under cover in winter, or a sheltered, free-draining border

Conditions

Full sun, sheltered from cold wind. Fertile, well-drained soil, doesn't tolerate wet roots over winter.

Grower's Note

In cold or exposed gardens, container growing is the safer option so the plant can be moved somewhere frost-free from late autumn.

Growing Stages

Approximate weeks from sowing to harvest

Sprouting

1wks

Establishing

6wks

Maturing

12wks

Total~19 weeksfrom seed to harvest

Companion Plants

Tomato

Repels Pests

Tarragon's strong aniseed scent is thought to help deter some pests seeking out tomato plants by smell.

Aubergine

Repels Pests

Grown nearby, its scent is thought to help confuse pests that would otherwise target aubergine.

This week for your tarragon

Loading this week's weather…

Water

Every 3–4 days

Sunlight

6+ hours direct sun

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

What You'll Need

Equipment for growing tarragon

Modular Seed Tray

96-cell for precision sowing

Fine Rose Watering Can

Gentle shower for seedlings

Bamboo Canes

Pack of 20 × 120cm

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Common 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, organic methods only. Our story · Our approach

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