Does it need full sun?

Yes, it thrives best in full sun with at least six hours of direct light.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid letting it sit in soggy ground.

Plant guide

Tarragon.

Artemisia dracunculus

Pronounced ar-te-MIZ-ee-uh drak-UN-kew-lus

Also known as French tarragon, Russian tarragon, Tarragon, dragon sagewort, dragon wormwood, false tarragon, french-tarragon, green sagewort

Tarragon is a lovely perennial herb known for its distinct anise flavor. It thrives in sunny spots and adds a wonderful touch to any kitchen garden. You will find it is quite hardy if you keep its roots well drained.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Perennial herb
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 8
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Care

Plant in well draining soil to prevent root rot. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal too much moisture. Keep the area around the base clear of weeds to ensure good airflow.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer sparingly during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back stems regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root bound or the soil loses its structure.
Soil: Sandy or loamy well draining soil
Soil pH: 6.5 to 7.5
Temperature: -20 to 35°C
Humidity: 30 to 50%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years.
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth during the active season

Safety

People: This plant is generally considered safe for culinary use in moderate amounts.
Children: No specific risks for children, though always supervise when they are in the garden.
Contact allergens: Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from handling the foliage.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can trigger mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals during late summer.
Edibility: Ensure you have true French tarragon, as Russian tarragon is often sold as a substitute but lacks the signature flavor.

How to identify it

Narrow lance shaped green leaves
Smooth hairless stems
Small greenish yellow flower clusters
Strong aromatic anise scent

Height: 0.6 to 1.2m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: yellow, green, 0.2 to 0.3cm

Problems to watch for

Root rot · Occurs when soil is too heavy or poorly drained.
Powdery mildew · Appears as a white dusty coating on leaves during humid weather.

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, cuttings
When to plant: spring, fall
Overwintering: Cut the stems back to the ground after the first frost. Apply a light layer of mulch to protect the roots from extreme temperature swings.
In containers: It grows well in containers at least 30 cm deep with excellent drainage.

Division

1. Dig up the plant in early spring.
2. Use a sharp spade to divide the root clump.
3. Replant sections immediately in well draining soil.

Plant in a dedicated herb patch with good drainage to prevent root competition.

Grows well with

Basil · They share similar sun and water requirements in the garden.
Parsley · These herbs grow well together in containers or garden beds.

Similar species

Russian Tarragon · It looks similar but has a much coarser texture and lacks the distinct anise flavor.

Science

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Artemisia
Order: Asterales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Central Asia and parts of Europe.
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

It grows in well drained, rocky soils where it can establish a deep root system to survive dry periods.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: culinary herb, herb garden, flavoring vinegars

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: Yes, it thrives best in full sun with at least six hours of direct light.
How often should I water it?: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid letting it sit in soggy ground.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Artemisia honors the Greek goddess Artemis, while dracunculus refers to the dragon like shape of the roots.

Good to know

The name tarragon comes from the French word estragon, meaning little dragon.
It is a key ingredient in the classic French herb blend fines herbes.
Ancient Greeks chewed the leaves to numb toothaches.

Also in

Deer-resistant plants

Keep your tarragon growing

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.