Seed to Harvest Herb Guide

How to grow tarragon

A practical guide to starting seed-grown tarragon, establishing tall aromatic plants, choosing between common and Mexican types, and harvesting tender leaves for the kitchen.

Sow shallowly indoorsGrow in full sunCut before flowering
Shop tarragon seed →Start the guide ↓
Square botanical illustration of common tarragon with upright stems and narrow green leaves
Life cyclePerennial herbMexican type frost-tender
Sow depth1/8 inchCover very lightly
LightFull sun6–8+ hours
Spacing18–24 inchesAllow upright growth
HarvestTender stem tipsBefore flowering

Before you begin

Seed-grown tarragon is not French tarragon.

Common seed-grown tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus, often sold as Russian tarragon) is a vigorous perennial with narrow aromatic leaves. French tarragon is sterile and must be propagated vegetatively.

Choose the flavor and climate fitCommon tarragon is cold hardy and mild flavored. Mexican tarragon is a warm-weather perennial with a stronger anise-like flavor and golden late-summer flowers.

Tarragon at a glance

The path from fine seed to aromatic harvest

Select any milestone to jump directly to its full instructions.

01SowFine, shallow seed02SproutWarm, bright start03PlantAfter frost04BranchPinch young tips05FlavorBefore flowers06HarvestTender leafy stems

Establishment

Start fine seed early under bright light

Both common and Mexican tarragon benefit from an indoor head start before warm planting weather.

01

Sow indoors

Start 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Cover the fine seed very lightly, about 1/8 inch.

  • Maintain about 65–75°F.
  • Expect sprouts in roughly 10–21 days.
  • Keep evenly moist, not saturated.
02

Grow compact seedlings

Provide strong light and airflow after emergence. Thin or transplant carefully once true leaves appear.

Do not expect French tarragon from seedSeed packets produce common or Mexican tarragon. Purchase a division or cutting if true French tarragon is required.
03

Transplant after frost

Harden for 7–10 days, then plant 18–24 inches apart in full sun and well-drained soil.

  • Keep the crown at soil level.
  • Water deeply after planting.
  • Give Mexican tarragon warm soil.

Ongoing care

Keep tarragon sunny, drained, and producing new tips

Moderate water and repeated cutting encourage tender aromatic growth rather than coarse flowering stems.

S

Maximize sun

Give plants 6–8 hours of direct light; Mexican tarragon especially prefers heat and full exposure.

W

Water moderately

Water deeply after the upper soil dries, keeping established crowns out of soggy ground.

P

Pinch and cut

Pinch growing tips when plants are 6–8 inches tall and harvest often to encourage branching.

M

Mulch for winter

After dormancy, protect common tarragon crowns in cold zones while keeping mulch from trapping moisture.

Growth checkpoints

Track emergence, branching, flavor, and bloom.

Frequent cutting keeps aromatic foliage tender through the growing season.

10–21 days

Seedlings emerge

Fine green shoots appear above the mix.

6–8 inches tall

Branching begins

Pinched tips produce several leafy side stems.

Before bloom

Flavor peaks

Tender shoots hold the best aroma before flowers form.

Late summer

Flowers appear

Mexican tarragon opens showy golden clusters in warm weather.

Text-only diagnostics

Diagnose tarragon problems early

Match the symptom, then open the card for prevention and the next practical action.

GerminationFew seedlings emergeFine seed was buried or mix dried

Resow fresh seed with only a very light cover, maintain moderate warmth, and keep the surface gently moist.

Crown diseaseRoot or crown rotPlants yellow and collapse in wet ground

Reduce watering, improve drainage, uncover the crown, and remove plants with soft decayed roots.

Foliage diseaseTarragon rustOrange-brown pustules mark leaf undersides

Remove affected leaves, improve spacing and airflow, water at soil level, and clear plant debris after frost.

FlavorLeaves taste weakPlants are mature but lack expected aroma

Confirm the variety: seed-grown common tarragon is milder than French tarragon; try Mexican tarragon for stronger anise flavor in heat.

Leaf harvest

Cut tender stem tips before flowering

Frequent harvest encourages branching and keeps new tarragon leaves tender and aromatic.

  1. Choose: Harvest dry, healthy stem tips once plants are established and before flowers open.
  2. Cut: Snip above a leaf node and leave at least two-thirds of the plant intact.
  3. Store: Use fresh, refrigerate wrapped stems briefly, or freeze leaves; drying softens the aroma.

Urban Farmer’s tarragon selection

Choose a seed-grown tarragon for your climate

Common and Mexican tarragon differ in cold tolerance, flavor, and flowering habit.

Cold-hardy leafy perennialCommon TarragonA tall, vigorous plant with narrow leaves and mild flavor for fish, chicken, and vegetables.Shop Common Tarragon →Warm-weather culinary flowerMexican TarragonAn anise-scented French tarragon substitute with golden late-summer flowers and upright growth.Shop Mexican Tarragon →

Questions herb gardeners ask

Tarragon growing FAQ

Quick answers for seed types, sowing, spacing, harvest, flavor, and winter care.

Can French tarragon be grown from seed?

No. True French tarragon is sterile and must be grown from cuttings or divisions.

Which tarragon types grow from seed?

Common, often called Russian, tarragon and Mexican tarragon can both be grown from seed.

When should tarragon seed be started?

Start indoors about 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost.

How deep should tarragon seed be planted?

Cover the fine seed very lightly, about 1/8 inch deep.

How long does tarragon take to germinate?

Seed commonly sprouts in about 10–21 days with moderate warmth and steady moisture.

How far apart should tarragon be planted?

Space plants about 18–24 inches apart for branching and airflow.

Does tarragon need full sun?

Yes. Full sun supports sturdy growth; Mexican tarragon especially thrives in heat and bright light.

How often should tarragon be watered?

Water young plants consistently, then water deeply after the upper soil dries.

When can tarragon be harvested?

Begin light cutting after plants establish, selecting tender tips before flowering for best flavor.

Why does seed-grown tarragon taste mild?

Common seed-grown tarragon naturally has a milder flavor than vegetatively propagated French tarragon.

Can tarragon grow in containers?

Yes. Use a roomy pot with excellent drainage and protect perennial roots from repeated hard freezing.

How should tarragon be overwintered?

Stop heavy harvest before frost, let common tarragon go dormant, and mulch the crown lightly after the ground cools.

Ready to plant?

Grow aromatic tarragon from seed.

Choose hardy Common Tarragon or warm-weather Mexican Tarragon for tender culinary leaves.

Shop tarragon seed →