Species

perennial

French Tarragon

The Story

Plant Bio

Artemisia dracunculus is an aromatic herbaceous perennial in the aster family native across temperate Europe, Asia, and western North America. It forms spreading clumps of slender, erect stems clothed in narrow green foliage that releases a distinct anise scent when crushed.

'French' is the sterile culinary cultivar grown specifically for its rich, sweet licorice flavor and high concentration of aromatic essential oils. It rarely sets viable seed or open flower heads, requiring vegetative division to maintain its culinary quality.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a tidy, fine-textured green mound suitable for pot cultivation and herb borders.

A primary culinary herb yielding sweet anise flavor for vinegars, sauces, and cooking.

Aromatic compounds repel most mammalian browsers and general garden pests.

SpeciesArtemisia dracunculusTarragon

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

35"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe, Asia, North America

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a full-sun site with light, neutral, free-draining soil.
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to promote air circulation around the foliage.
Water thoroughly at planting, then allow the top inch of soil to dry completely between waterings.
Cut top growth down to soil level in late autumn after winter dormancy sets in.

Pro Tip

Plant in sharply draining sandy loam or raised beds, as wet winter soil induces fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun to maximize foliage flavor and essential oil concentration.
Divide established clumps every three to four years in spring to maintain vigor.
Ensure planting beds have excellent drainage before planting.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in heavy clay soils that retain moisture.
Do not apply heavy applications of high-nitrogen fertilizer, which dilutes foliage flavor.
Do not attempt propagation from seed.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Harvest
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Herb GardenRaised BedContainer GardenEdible Garden

Companion Plants

Thymus vulgaris Origanum majorana Salvia officinalis Petroselinum crispum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

French Tarragon questions

What zones can French Tarragon grow in?

French Tarragon is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is French Tarragon deer resistant?

Yes — French Tarragon is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does French Tarragon bloom?

French Tarragon typically blooms in summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does French Tarragon need full sun?

French Tarragon does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is French Tarragon drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), French Tarragon handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.