Growing Tarragon In Pots

Growing tarragon in pots

Tarragon grows well in a container, but only for a season. After that, its roots outgrow the pot, and it loses flavor. French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa), which probably originated in western Asia, is the commonly grown temperate-zone tarragon used for culinary purposes.

Does tarragon like full sun?

Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in average garden soil. Mix in compost at planting time, but do not give it any fertilizer. Good drainage is important, so growing in a raised bed is helpful. It will tolerate a variety of soil conditions and a pH of 6.2-8.0.

What size container do you need to grow tarragon?

Fill small, four to six-inch pots with a light starter soil. Insert the stems about two inches deep and firm the soil gently around them, adding three or four stems per pot. Water lightly.

Where does tarragon grow best?

Tarragon needs a sunny, warm and sheltered position to do well and produce strongly flavoured leaves. French tarragon especially needs a well-drained soil, and grows particularly well in light, sandy soils that are low in nutrients.

How do you care for potted tarragon?

Give tarragon growing indoors at least six to eight hours of light. Fertilize the herb with a dilution of fish fertilizer every two weeks. Don't overwater when growing tarragon inside. Indoor herbs should be kept on the dry side.

Does tarragon regrow after cutting?

Nonstop Flavor These fast-growing plants are most productive when cut regularly to encourage branching, and regrowth is rapid – the cut stems are ready for harvesting again in about four to six weeks.

Does tarragon come back year after year?

You could cut the root ball in half and plant the division in fresh soil in containers or directly into the ground. Because tarragon is a short-lived perennial, root division every three years helps continue your tarragon production in the garden.

Does tarragon come back next year?

It's perennial, though it needs help to survive the winters, and it is easy to propagate and multiply. The leaves of French tarragon have a fresh rich flavor which is sometimes compared to anise and licorice. This sprawling hardy perennial plant can produce for many years if it is regularly dug up and divided.

What is the best month to plant tarragon?

Appearance and characteristics of tarragon Sprouting in spring, tarragon grows during the warmer months before dying down again when the cool weather arrives in mid–late autumn. Grown from cuttings in early spring, potted plants are available from mid-spring, but get in quick, as stocks are usually limited.

How do you winterize tarragon?

Cut the plants nearly to the ground after the first hard frost, then cover the plants with soil and top the soil with 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) of mulch. A layer of evergreen boughs will also protect perennial herbs from harsh, drying winds.

What temperature can tarragon tolerate?

A cold-hardy perennial, tarragon can survive temperatures to -20F (-30C).

Does tarragon multiply?

Early spring is also the time to multiply a tarragon plant by division. Dig up an established clump, then cut it apart with a knife or your shovel blade into smaller pieces, each with roots attached, for replanting. Old plants like to be renewed this way every few years and replanted somewhere new.

What is tarragon called in USA?

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), also known as estragon, is a species of perennial herb in the family Asteraceae.

What are good companion plants for tarragon?

Tarragon. In the garden: Good companion to most vegetables, particularly eggplant. In the kitchen: Great with meat, eggs, poultry, seafood and vegetables such as beans, beets, carrots, peas, summer squashes.

Is tarragon invasive?

Growing Tarragon The substrate doesn't even need to be very rich (too much nitrogen weakens the leaves' taste). And be forewarned: Russian tarragon can become invasive. Now that you've discovered tarragon's dirty little secret, you'll be able to confidently choose a tarragon plant for your own herb garden.

Do you cut back tarragon in the fall?

Then store the dried tarragon in a container with a tight-fitting lid or in a plastic bag with a zip top. As fall approaches, tarragon's leaves begin to yellow, signaling that it is about to take a winter sabbatical. At this time, cut the stalks back to 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.)

Does tarragon like a lot of water?

Watering Tarragon French tarragon has fairly shallow roots, so during summer months, you will need to water daily. In winter, when the plant has died back, you don't need to water until you see new shoots coming up in early spring. Don't allow the soil to become soggy; excess water will kill the tarragon plant.

Should I pinch out tarragon?

Keep plants well watered, especially those growing in pots, to prevent a check to growth. Pinch off any flowers for a constant supply of leaves.

Does tarragon go dormant for winter?

If you want your tarragon to grow back again in the spring, prepare it for winter dormancy by spreading mulch around the plant to protect the roots from the cold. Divide. If you allow your tarragon to grow back every spring, the plant will continue to spread in your garden.

Can you root tarragon in water?

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) Tarragon is easy to root in water. Take cuttings from a healthy tarragon plant during the spring, as soon as new growth begins to appear. Choose cuttings six to eight inches long from the ends of the stems.