When to Plant French Tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa

herbZones 4–9intermediate

Distinctive anise-flavored perennial herb essential in French cuisine. Cannot be grown from seed -- propagate by division or cuttings. Essential for bearnaise sauce.

Planting calendar

Cannot be grown from seed -- buy plants or get divisions; perennial in zones 4-9; divide every 3 years

Spacing & harvest

Plant spacing: 12-18 inches
Row spacing: 12-18 inches
Days to harvest: 60-75 days
Ready when: Harvest stems from the tips; best flavor before flowering; cut regularly to prevent woodiness

Companion planting

Plant near

Eggplant — Repels many garden pests

Get french tarragon planting dates for your exact zone

Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.

Get your free plan

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns