Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus · Asteraceae
📷 KENPEI · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Les huiles essentielles peuvent provoquer des troubles digestifs chez chiens et chats en cas d’ingestion importante ou répétée.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant tarragon: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Artemisia dracunculus
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Type
- Aromatic perennial herb
- Foliage
- Deciduous, tender green and fine
- Flowering
- June to August, pale yellow discreet flowers
- Adult height
- 60 to 80 cm
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Central Asia and Siberia
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in March to rejuvenate and prevent the center from hollowing out and dying. Pinch back 2-3 cm in April so the plant branches nicely from the base.
The common mistake
Growing the same plant 8-10 years without division: the heart gets bare, stems become hollow and fragile, flavor declines.
The pro's trick
To keep tarragon dense, prune after harvests without removing all the foliage at once.
Care
Exposure and location
Tarragon requires a sunny exposure (6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight) to develop its full aromatic flavor. A location sheltered from wind is preferable since its stems are thin and fragile. Avoid overly shaded areas where the plant will become leggy and lose aromatic intensity.
Watering and humidity
Keep the soil regularly moist but well-drained, especially during the growing season. Water moderately in summer and reduce watering in winter when the aerial parts disappear. Avoid standing water which promotes root rot.
Soil and planting
Tarragon prefers rich, well-drained soil that is slightly chalky or neutral. Enrich the soil when planting with mature compost. Compact or poor soil will limit its growth and production of aromatic leaves.
Pruning and harvesting
Regularly harvest leaves from the top of the stems to encourage branching and a bushier plant. Pinch off the tips in spring to promote a fuller plant. In late autumn, cut the plant back to ground level before winter dormancy.
Fertilization
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Tarragon does not require intensive fertilization; soil rich in organic matter generally suits it well. Avoid excess nitrogen which would dilute the aroma of the leaves.
Pests and diseases
Tarragon is relatively resistant to diseases if drainage is correct. Powdery mildew can appear in humid and warm conditions; ensure good air circulation. Occasional aphids can be removed with a water spray or gentle treatments.
Did you know?
Tarragon has been closely linked to French haute cuisine since the Middle Ages; it was considered an "herb of nobility" at the court of Louis XIV. Its scientific name dracunculus comes from the Latin "draco" (dragon), as the ancients believed this plant could cure snake bites and neutralize harmful venoms.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.