Introduction Tarragon’s sunlight needs are a crucial factor if you want to grow this flavorful herb successfully in your garden or on your kitchen windowsill. Beloved for its delicate anise-like flavor, tarragon is a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike, making it a versatile addition to everything from chicken dishes to salad dressings. But … Read more
Understanding Tarragon’s Water Needs Tarragon is a flavorful, aromatic herb often celebrated for its contribution to French cuisine, but what many home gardeners may not realize is that its growing preferences set it apart from other popular herbs. While basil, mint, and parsley generally thrive in consistently moist soil, tarragon actually prefers things a bit … Read more
Introduction Drying tarragon is a simple yet smart way to capture the herb’s vibrant, slightly anise-like flavor for use long after the harvest season has ended. Tarragon is a favorite in kitchens around the world, lending its unique taste to everything from French béarnaise sauce to everyday salad dressings. But fresh tarragon wilts quickly, and … Read more
Introduction to Tarragon & Its Propagation Dividing tarragon is a simple yet transformative gardening technique, especially prized by herb enthusiasts and home cooks who love this herb’s unique blend of anise and subtle sweetness. Tarragon’s aromatic leaves bring a burst of complex flavor to classic dishes—think béarnaise sauce, roast chicken, and vibrant summer salads. But … Read more
Introduction to Tarragon & Cold Climate Challenges Tarragon in winter presents a unique set of challenges for gardeners who love the herb’s subtle, anise-like flavor in their kitchens. Prized for enhancing everything from chicken dishes to vinaigrettes, tarragon is generally easy to grow—if you have the right conditions. But when cold weather arrives and temperatures … Read more
Introduction to Tarragon for Pollinators and Beneficial Insects Tarragon for pollinators is gaining attention among gardeners who want to create thriving, eco-friendly spaces. Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a flavorful perennial herb prized not only for its culinary uses and aromatic, narrow leaves but also for its hidden superpower: attracting a variety of beneficial insects. In … Read more
Overview of Tarragon Varieties Tarragon is a prized culinary herb, celebrated for its bright, anise-like flavor that elevates everything from classic Béarnaise sauce to simple roasted chicken. Its unique taste has made it a staple in French and Mediterranean cuisines, where even a small handful can transform a dish. Among the different varieties, French tarragon … Read more
When and Why to Harvest Tarragon The best time to harvest tarragon is from late spring to early summer, just before the herb begins to flower. Early morning—right after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot—is ideal. This is when tarragon’s essential oils are at their peak, making the leaves especially … Read more
Common Reasons Tarragon Fails to Thrive Tarragon is a flavorful herb, but it can be surprisingly sensitive and may struggle if its basic needs aren’t met. One of the most common reasons for poor growth is soil that’s too dense or heavy—tarragon prefers well-draining, slightly sandy soil and will struggle in anything that retains too … Read more
Why Grow Tarragon in Containers? Tarragon is a fragrant, flavorful herb cherished by cooks and gardeners alike for its delicate, anise-like taste that brings French classics like Béarnaise sauce and vinaigrettes to life. Growing tarragon in containers is a smart choice for anyone looking to maximize small spaces or keep an attractive, accessible herb garden … Read more