How to Grow Tarragon from Seed

Tarragon is a versatile herb known for its distinct anise-like flavor, making it a favorite in culinary dishes around the world. Growing tarragon from seed can be a rewarding process, allowing you to cultivate this flavorful plant right in your garden or kitchen. While tarragon is often propagated through cuttings or root divisions, starting it from seed offers the advantage of nurturing the plant from the very beginning. This guide aims to provide a clear and straightforward explanation of how to grow tarragon from seed. 

Choosing the Right Tarragon Variety

Before starting your tarragon-growing journey, it’s important to choose the right variety to suit your needs. There are three main types of tarragon—French, Russian, and Mexican. French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is the most popular variety for culinary use due to its superior flavor and aromatic qualities; however, it cannot be grown from seed and must be propagated by cuttings or divisions.

Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides), while less flavorful, is hardier and easier to grow from seed. It can thrive in a wider range of conditions, making it a good choice for beginner gardeners. Lastly, Mexican tarragon (Tagetes lucida) offers a slightly different flavor profile and works well in warmer climates. When growing tarragon from seed, Russian tarragon is typically the most viable option, so ensure you select this variety for the best results.

French Vs. Russian Tarragon

When growing tarragon, it’s important to understand the differences between French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus ‘Sativa’) and Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus). French tarragon is prized for its intense flavor and aromatic qualities, making it a top choice for culinary applications.

However, it rarely produces viable seeds, so it is typically propagated through cuttings or divisions. On the other hand, Russian tarragon is hardier and easier to grow from seed but lacks the refined taste of its French counterpart. While Russian tarragon may thrive in a variety of climates and conditions, it is often considered less desirable for cooking due to its milder and sometimes bitter flavor. Depending on whether your goal is flavor or ease of cultivation, selecting the right type of tarragon is a crucial step.

10 Methods  How to Grow Tarragon from Seed

1. Select the Right Tarragon Variety

Before starting, it’s essential to understand that not all types of tarragon grow well from seed. French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa), the most flavorful and widely used in culinary dishes, rarely produces viable seeds and is typically propagated by cuttings or division. However, Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides) and Mexican tarragon (Tagetes lucida) both grow well from seed. While Russian tarragon has a milder flavor and is hardier, Mexican tarragon offers a licorice-like taste similar to French tarragon and thrives in warm climates. Choose a variety based on your growing zone, intended culinary use, and availability of seed.

2. Start Seeds Indoors for Greater Control

To increase your success rate with germination and early plant development, it’s best to start tarragon seeds indoors. Begin the process about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Use a quality seed-starting mix, which is lighter and finer than typical potting soil, allowing better drainage and root development. Fill small seed trays or peat pots with the mix and moisten it evenly. Starting seeds indoors gives you the benefit of a controlled environment, shielding young plants from unpredictable weather, pests, and soil-borne diseases during their most vulnerable stages.

3. Sow Seeds Shallowly with Gentle Care

Tarragon seeds are tiny and delicate, so they require careful handling during sowing. Sprinkle the seeds lightly over the moist soil surface and press them gently into the soil using your fingertip or the back of a spoon. Do not cover them heavily; they need light to germinate. A thin dusting of soil or vermiculite is sufficient. Mist the surface gently with a spray bottle to avoid displacing the seeds. Label each tray or container with the variety and sowing date to keep track of your planting schedule. Patience and gentle care during this step will increase germination success.

4. Provide Warmth and Consistent Moisture for Germination

To stimulate germination, maintain a warm, consistent temperature around 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Using a seedling heat mat can help keep the soil evenly warm, especially in cooler environments. Ensure that the growing medium stays evenly moist but not soggy, as overwatering can cause seeds to rot or attract mold. Mist the surface daily and cover the trays with a humidity dome or clear plastic wrap to retain moisture. Remove the cover as soon as the first seedlings appear. Under the right conditions, tarragon seeds usually germinate within 10 to 14 days.

5. Provide Bright Light for Strong Seedlings

Once the seedlings emerge, they need plenty of light to grow strong and avoid becoming leggy. Place your seed trays on a sunny windowsill that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of bright light per day. If natural sunlight is insufficient, especially in early spring, supplement with fluorescent grow lights or LED plant lights placed 2 to 3 inches above the seedlings. Keep the lights on for 12 to 14 hours daily. Rotate the trays regularly to ensure even growth and prevent the seedlings from leaning toward the light. Proper lighting results in compact, healthy plants ready for transplanting.

6. Thin Seedlings to Prevent Overcrowding

As the seedlings begin to grow their first set of true leaves, you’ll need to thin them out to ensure each plant has enough space to develop. Overcrowded seedlings compete for light, nutrients, and water, leading to stunted growth. Use clean scissors to snip off the weaker seedlings at the soil level, leaving the strongest ones spaced at least 2 inches apart. Do not try to pull them out, as this could disturb the roots of nearby plants. Thinning promotes better air circulation and allows the remaining seedlings to grow more vigorously.

7. Harden Off Seedlings Before Transplanting

Before moving your young tarragon plants outdoors, they need time to acclimate to outdoor conditions in a process known as hardening off. About a week before transplanting, begin placing the seedlings outside for a few hours each day in a sheltered spot with indirect light. Gradually increase their exposure to sun, wind, and fluctuating temperatures. This transition strengthens the plant’s stems and builds resistance to environmental stress. Without hardening off, seedlings may suffer transplant shock or become sunburned. Taking this simple but essential step ensures a smoother adaptation to your garden or outdoor containers.

8. Choose a Sunny, Well-Drained Location

Tarragon grows best in a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil should be light, loamy, and well-drained, as tarragon dislikes wet feet and can suffer in soggy conditions. Amend heavy or clay soils with sand or compost to improve drainage. Raised beds or containers are excellent choices if your native soil tends to retain too much moisture. Tarragon prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Add a small amount of lime if your soil is too acidic. Proper site selection lays the groundwork for a thriving herb garden.

9. Transplant and Space Properly for Growth

When the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed, transplant your seedlings into the prepared garden bed or containers. Gently remove each plant from its tray, taking care not to damage the roots. Space the plants about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow room for bushy growth and good air circulation. Plant them at the same depth as they were in their containers, and water them thoroughly after transplanting. Adding a light mulch layer around the base of each plant helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature as the roots establish.

10. Maintain the Plants with Light Feeding and Pruning

Once established, tarragon is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from regular care. Water consistently, especially during dry spells, but do not overwater. Feed the plants every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf production. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can cause excessive growth and reduced flavor. Regularly snip back the stems to promote branching and prevent flowering, which can make the leaves bitter. Harvest the leaves frequently by pinching off the tips, and dry or freeze them for later use. With consistent maintenance, your tarragon plants will remain productive and flavorful throughout the season.

Things to Consider When Growing Tarragon

1. Sunlight Requirements – Tarragon thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Ensure it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth. 
2. Well-Drained Soil – Avoid waterlogged soil, as this can lead to root rot. Plant tarragon in sandy or loamy soil with good drainage to keep the roots healthy. 
3. Watering Needs – While tarragon is drought-tolerant once established, consistent but moderate watering is essential, particularly during prolonged dry periods. 
4. Winter Care – Tarragon is a perennial herb but may need protection in colder climates. Mulching around the base can help insulate the roots during frosty months. 
5. Companion Planting – Consider planting tarragon alongside vegetables and other herbs to deter pests and improve garden biodiversity. 

By paying attention to these considerations, you can ensure a thriving tarragon plant that provides fresh, flavorful leaves season after season. 

Conclusion

Tarragon, with its unique flavor and versatile culinary applications, is a rewarding herb to grow in any garden. By following proper planting, care, and harvesting techniques, you can enjoy a sustainable supply of fresh tarragon throughout the growing season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, cultivating tarragon not only enhances your garden’s diversity but also adds a burst of flavor to your kitchen creations. Follow these simple instructions outlined in this blog post about how to grow tarragon from seed, and you’ll be able to get the job done with ease.