How to grow Tarragon

At a glance

🌱 Grow your Tarragon with GardenDex

• Reminders to water it, timed to your weather and whether it's in a pot
• Frost and disease alerts for your garden, the night before
• Follow it from seed to harvest, and see what your garden grew in $
• Point your camera at any plant or bug to identify it

🗓️ When to plant

Plant divisions or nursery plants in mid-spring after the last frost, or in early autumn in mild climates. Avoid starting from seed (French tarragon rarely sets viable seed).

🌰 How to plant

1. Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil.
2. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and plant at the same depth it was growing.
3. Water gently to settle the soil, then water sparingly until established (2–3 weeks).
4. Mulch lightly around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

💧 Care

• Pinch out stem tips regularly in the growing season to encourage bushy, compact growth.
• Cut back stems by one-third in mid-summer to promote fresh, tender leaf production.
• In cold climates, cut back to ground level in late autumn and mulch heavily for winter protection.
• Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring to rejuvenate the plant and prevent woody decline.

🧺 Harvest

Pinch or snip fresh leaves anytime during the growing season, harvesting from the top down to encourage bushiness. For best flavour, harvest in mid to late summer when the plant is most vigorous.

🐛 Common problems

Root rot: Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering, especially in wet winters; replant in raised beds if necessary.

Spider mites: Spray foliage with water to dislodge mites, or use neem oil if infestation persists.

Rust: Remove affected leaves, improve air circulation around the plant, and avoid wetting foliage during watering.

🤝 Companion plants

💚 Good neighbours: Thyme, Chives, Parsley, Asparagus

⚠️ Keep apart from: Fennel, Dill

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