How to grow Tarragon in New Zealand
French tarragon is the classic herb of French cooking, with a sweet anise flavour for bearnaise sauce, chicken, eggs and vinegar. It is a hardy perennial that grows to nearly 1 m, dies down in winter and shoots again in spring. It does not set seed, so buy it as a plant; seed-grown tarragon is a different, weaker type.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Tarragon in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to May | |
| Auckland | August to May | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to May | |
| Central North Island | August to May | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to May | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to May | |
| Canterbury | August to May | |
| Otago & Southland | September to April | Plant Sep to Apr so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
| Central Otago | September to March | Plant Sep to Mar so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
Not to be confused with: Russian tarragon, which grows from seed but has a much weaker flavour, and Mexican or Texas tarragon, a marigold relative with a similar anise taste that is often sold as a substitute.
Where to plant
Grow tarragon in full sun to part shade, in fertile, free-draining soil; it hates wet roots in winter. In the hottest northern summers, a little afternoon shade helps. On clay, add gypsum and plant on a mound.
- Northland to Canterbury: plant from late September to February while the plant is in active growth.
- Otago, Southland and Central Otago: plant from September to April (to March in Central Otago) so the roots establish before the hard frosts.
Choosing a variety
- French tarragon has the true flavour. It does not produce seed, so it is sold as plants, usually from mid spring.
- Russian tarragon grows easily from seed but its flavour is coarse and much weaker.
- Texas tarragon, a seed-grown marigold relative with a sweet anise flavour and yellow summer flowers, is a good substitute in warm, humid gardens.
How to plant
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth, and mix compost into the backfill.
- Set the plant at the same level it sat in the pot and firm gently.
- Make a ring of soil around it to hold water, and water in well.
- Mulch, keeping it away from the crown.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly while the plant establishes. Once settled, tarragon is drought and cold tolerant and needs little extra water. Let the soil dry between waterings, and do not let it sit wet in winter.
Feed lightly with a liquid fertiliser in spring and summer; too much feeding weakens the flavour.
Pruning and care through the year
- Cut back the old stems in late autumn as the plant dies down.
- Lift and divide clumps every few years in spring to keep them vigorous.
- In cold districts, a mulch over the crown in winter gives some protection.
Harvesting
Snip stems as needed from spring to autumn. Cutting back to the firm lower stems encourages fresh, leafy growth. Tarragon loses flavour when dried, so preserve it in vinegar or freeze it instead.
Growing in pots
Tarragon grows well in a pot at least 40 cm wide with a quality potting mix, in full sun to part shade. Water when the mix is dry and do not leave the pot standing in water.
Propagation
Because French tarragon does not set seed, make new plants by dividing the roots in spring as shoots appear, or by taking cuttings of young growth.
Companion planting
Tarragon is an easy-going neighbour that suits a herb bed or the edge of the vegetable garden.
Good companions
- Most vegetables (it gets on with most vegetable crops)
Pests and diseases
Tarragon has few pests. Wet winter soil is the main cause of losses.
Tarragon is rarely troubled by pests.
Diseases to watch for
- Root rot Plants fail to reshoot in spring, or collapse, after a wet winter in heavy soil.
- Downy mildew Yellow patches on leaves with grey growth underneath in humid weather.
Common questions
Can I grow French tarragon from seed?
No. French tarragon does not produce seed, so it is sold as plants. Tarragon seed is the Russian type, which has a much weaker flavour.
Why has my tarragon disappeared over winter?
Tarragon dies down in winter and reshoots in spring, so wait before digging it up. If it does not return, wet soil has probably rotted the roots.
What is Texas tarragon?
A marigold relative with a sweet anise flavour, grown from seed and often used as a tarragon substitute. It copes better with warm, humid summers than French tarragon.
How do I preserve tarragon?
It loses flavour when dried. Steep sprigs in white wine vinegar, chop and freeze them in ice cube trays, or make tarragon butter.
When should I plant tarragon?
From late September to February in most of New Zealand, while it is in active growth. In the far south, plant between spring and early autumn.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow tarragon; Kings Seeds: Tarragon Texas; Kings Plant Barn: Herbs grow well guide.