How to grow... Tarragon

Rocket Growing Guides

tarragon

Tarragon is such a summery herb that adds real flavour to loads of foods. Ours is French Tarragon which we think has the very best flavour.

  • Planting Tips
  • Growing advice
  • Chef's Corner
Choosing a site for growing veg

The right site

Tarragon is best grown in well-drained soil with plenty of sunshine.

growing veg in pots and raised beds

Can be grown in....

Raised beds are best as they need a lot of space for their roots. If growing in pots or containers, make sure they are big. You can grow them inside or outside.

Autumn Winter Large Vegetable Garden

How far apart?

40cm apart or one plant to a pot.

When your herb plants arrive....

Your baby plants will arrive carefully packed in straw. They may look a little tired from their travels. This is quite normal but, as soon as possible, carefully unpack them all.

Then, stand them upright. The roots may be dry, so give them all a good drink of water by submerging the roots for a few minutes in a container of clean water. Now they are ready to plant.

This herb plant is a perennial.

This means that it is a plant that returns year after year.

Looking after your plants....

Tarragon will do well as long as you keep it warm and dry.

Tarragon

Watering them

Tarragon does not like to get too wet, so just a little watering from time to time during dry spells will be fine.

 

Tarragon

Divide the roots

After 3 or 4 years it is advisable to divide the plant at the roots.

They're ready to harvest when....

Cut tarragon sprigs as and when you need them – this will help it grow better too as regular pruning is a good idea.

Jargon Buster

Annual – a plant that completes its entire lifecycle in one year

Perennial – a plant that “dies” down at the end of the season, but comes back to life again year after year

Biennial – a plant that takes 2 years to complete its lifecycle before dying

tarragon

Great with...

Tarragon is a really versatile herb that you can add to loads of dishes for a little extra flavour. It’s particularly well matched to:

  • Chicken
  • Fish
  • Mayonnaise
  • Salads

Types to try