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The Secret to Garden Fresh Flavour
Welcome to the world of tarragon—a fragrant, versatile herb that brings a touch of elegance to any dish. Growing this versatile herb is a rewarding experience with aesthetic and practical benefits. Known for its delicate, slightly sweet, anise-like flavour, tarragon is a key ingredient in classic French cuisine and a valuable addition to herb gardens worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned cook or simply looking to add a new dimension to your dishes, this aromatic herb is sure to impress.
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Tarragon's appeal goes far beyond the kitchen. Its slender, elegant leaves add visual interest to your garden, and its minimal care requirements make it an easy option for beginners. From flavouring vinegar and oils to enhancing sauces and dressings, tarragon is a culinary powerhouse that can elevate a simple meal into something extraordinary. But that’s not all – tarragon has been used in traditional herbal medicine for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a multi-purpose herb that’s as healthy as it is tasty.
Browse our selection of tarragon plants today and experience this beloved herb's unique taste and versatility.
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Tarragon Plants - Glimpse of History
Tarragon, scientifically known as Artemisia dracunculus, has a fascinating history. Native to Central Asia, this herb has been used for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties. The ancient Greeks believed that tarragon could relieve toothaches and digestive issues, while medieval herbalists touted it for its ability to ward off fatigue.
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Its journey into European kitchens began in the Middle Ages, when French chefs quickly recognised tarragon’s potential, making it a key ingredient in classic French dishes such as Béarnaise sauce. Today, it remains an essential herb in French cuisine and has gained popularity worldwide, offering a fresh, liquorice-like flavour to salads, soups, and sauces.
Tarragon Herbs - Growing
You can grow two main types of tarragon herbs: French and Russian. French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa) is highly recommended for culinary purposes due to its superior flavour.
Tarragon prefers light, sandy soil with good drainage. It thrives in warmer months and can be grown indoors in containers, making it accessible to even those with limited garden space. While the herb can tolerate partial shade, it grows best in full sun. Tarragon is relatively drought-tolerant, so avoid overwatering. Let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
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Pinch the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth and to prevent it from flowering too early, which can reduce the herb's potency.
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French tarragon is perennial and dies down over winter. It is best to keep it dry, overwinter, and protect it from slugs in the early spring when the new shoots emerge.
Tarragon Herb Plants - Harvesting
Tarragon is ready to be harvested once it reaches a height of about 6 - 8 inches, usually in late spring or early summer. The best time to pick the leaves is just before the plant begins to flower, as this is when the oils are most concentrated, ensuring a more robust flavour. Frequent harvesting ensures a fresh supply of tarragon and encourages the plant to produce more foliage.
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Snip the top two-thirds of each stem, leaving the rest of the plant to continue growing.
For the freshest taste, freeze the harvested leaves in airtight bags or ice cube trays filled with water. This method helps retain the herb's flavour far better than drying.
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While fresh tarragon offers the best flavour, you can also dry the leaves to use later. To do this, hang small bunches upside down in a dry, warm space. Once dry, store them in an airtight container.
Tarragon Plants - Quick Care Guide
keep in well-drained, moist soil with a neutral pH
grow on the windowsill or patio with access to sunshine away from chilling winds