Tarragon is a tough herb plant. It is native to northwestern United States, Russia and Asia, and it is closely related to sagebrush. It is both a medicinal herb as well as a popular culinary herb. Tarragon plants can reach 60 inches in height, and they have thin, blade-like leaves that are wonderfully aromatic with a sweet anise-like flavor.

Plant Tarragon herb seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost. Or, sow the seed directly in the garden once frost danger has passed.

Tarragon plants prefer full sun but they will tolerate partial sun. The herb plants need fast draining, sandy soils that are not rich in nutrients.

• Sow the Tarragon seeds in starter flats
• Lightly cover with soil and keep moist and warm
• Harden off the seedlings for 10 days prior to transplanting out
• For direct sowing, work the garden soil to a depth of 8 inches
• Add lots of compost if the soil is not already on the sandy side
• Sow the seeds, press them into the soil gently and lightly cover
• Keep the area moist for germination
• Thin the seedlings to 18 - 24 inches apart

• Keep consistent irrigations until the plants are established
• Leaves can be harvested all summer
• New growth sprigs can also be snipped
• Pinch the flowers heads off before blooming to maintain the strong flavor
• Stop harvesting prior to first expected frosts so that the plant has energy to survive winter
• Tarragon leaves can be frozen or dried