Growing, Harvesting, Storing, and Using Tarragon

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a flavorful herb commonly used in French cuisine and herbal remedies. Known for its anise-like taste, tarragon enhances dishes such as poultry, fish, sauces, and salads. Growing, harvesting, and storing tarragon properly ensures a steady supply of this aromatic herb year-round.

French Vs. Mexican Tarragon

French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus ‘Sativa') resembles a tall grass, medium in texture with slender leaves, but on branched stems growing 18 to 24 inches tall and semi-erect. It grows without flowers or distinctive form to set it apart. In an herb bed, it becomes one of a cook's resources to create a memorable meal, but for the gardener, the ingredients are less remarkable. Plant adjacent to more architectural plants such as lemon grass or rosemary. Contrasting plants with large or colorful leaves, such as sweet basil or Purple Ruffles basil, will help set tarragon apart in a garden bed.

Mexican (also called Texas) tarragon (Tagetes lucida) grows all spring and summer before it produces many yellow, single marigold-like blossoms, but that is just a bonus because the main reason to grow it is for the flavored leaves. In warm climates, its anise-like flavor makes it a substitute for French tarragon, which often withers in heat. You will find that it goes by many names: Texas tarragon, false tarragon, Mexican mint marigold, winter tarragon, yerba anise, hierba de anis, hierba de San Juan, and pericon. Try growing Mexican tarragon in an herb garden, flower bed, or container. Let it be the bright spot in your herb garden, which often needs a boost by summer's end. The upright plants pair well with other fall bloomers, such as pineapple sage. Plants bloom lightly in the spring, then profusely in the fall.

How to Grow Tarragon

Choosing the Right Variety

Before planting tarragon, it is essential to choose the right variety:

• French Tarragon: Preferred for culinary use due to its superior flavor; propagated through cuttings.
• Russian Tarragon: Can be grown from seed but has a milder, less desirable taste.
• Mexican Tarragon: A good alternative in warm climates, with a similar flavor profile to French tarragon.

Planting Requirements

Tarragon thrives under specific conditions:

• Climate: Best suited for USDA zones 4-8.
• Soil Type: Prefers well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal growth.
• Spacing: Plants should be spaced about 18-24 inches apart for proper air circulation.

Propagation Methods

• Cuttings or Divisions: French tarragon does not produce viable seeds and should be propagated through cuttings or root division.
• Growing from Seeds: Russian tarragon can be grown from seed but may lack strong flavor.
• Best Planting Time: Spring is the best time to start tarragon, once the risk of frost has passed.

Care and Maintenance

Watering: Water moderately; tarragon prefers slightly dry conditions and does not tolerate overwatering.

Fertilization: Light feeding with compost or a balanced fertilizer encourages healthy growth.

Pruning: Regular pruning prevents legginess and promotes bushier growth.

Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-resistant, but watch for aphids and fungal issues in humid conditions.

How to Harvest Tarragon

When to Harvest

The best time to harvest tarragon is in late spring to summer when the plant is mature and full. The flavor is most potent just before the plant flowers.

Harvesting Techniques

Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut stems 4-6 inches from the top. Regularly harvesting encourages continued growth and prevents the plant from becoming woody.

How to Store Tarragon

Short-Term Storage

Refrigeration: Wrap fresh tarragon in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Water Storage: Keep fresh tarragon stems in a jar of water, similar to fresh-cut flowers, for short-term use.

Long-Term Storage

• Drying Methods: Air drying, oven drying, or using a dehydrator helps preserve tarragon for months.
• Freezing Techniques: Freeze whole leaves, chop and freeze in ice cube trays with oil, or store in butter for easy use in recipes.
• Best Containers: Use airtight jars, vacuum-sealed bags, or freezer-safe containers to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

Growing, harvesting, and storing tarragon properly ensures a continuous supply of this flavorful herb. Whether used fresh or stored for later, tarragon enhances various dishes and is a valuable addition to any herb garden.

More Gardening Help

If you're looking for even more detailed information, check out our gardening section of the website. If you still have questions, let me know in the comments section below or contact me in our private Facebook group.

LEARN HOW TO HARVEST, CLEAN, AND PRESERVE YOUR HERBS

Discover how to effectively harvest, clean, and preserve your fresh herbs allowing you to enjoy the taste of them year-round. This course includes printable handouts and videos and that takes you step-by-step to ensure you get the most from your herbs!