Tarragon is a highlight of French cuisine and gives many Mediterranean dishes their special touch. Since it is quite easy to care for and grows lushly even in our latitudes, you should give it a chance and a place in your garden.
How do I plant and care for tarragon in the garden or on the windowsill?
To plant tarragon, choose a sunny to partially shaded location, avoid waterlogging and loosen the humus-rich, nutrient-rich soil. Planted in spring, tarragon can be propagated by division and also grown on the windowsill.
The right soil and location
Tarragon likes humus, nutrient-rich soil and requires a lot of space because it grows to at least 60 cm high. If he feels comfortable, he can grow to be more than one meter tall. It prefers a sunny location, but it also thrives quite well in partial shade. The main thing is that you avoid waterlogging.
The best planting time
The best time to plant is spring, when the plant begins to produce new shoots and roots. Loosen the soil deeply. If it is very solid or clayey, you can mix in sand or gravel or create a drainage layer made of pottery shards or coarse gravel.
Now plant your tarragon in the planting hole and, if possible, add fresh potting soil or some seasoned compost. Water the tarragon well and keep it free of weeds for the first few weeks.
Propagate tarragon
Tarragon is easily propagated by division. Dig up the root ball in spring, divide it into two or more parts and replant them in the desired location. After a short time you can harvest the fresh shoots.
The roots spread again over time and if you let a few shoots of your tarragon bloom, it will bloom on its own. Next year you can expect an even more bountiful harvest.
Tarragon on the windowsill
Of course, you can also grow tarragon on your windowsill, but it requires a large pot. And of course the tarragon doesn't grow as tall there as in the herb bed. But you always have fresh tarragon, which is much more aromatic than the dried herb.
The most important things in brief:
- sunny to partially shaded
- Avoid waterlogging
- loose, humus-rich soil
Tips & Tricks
If you also want to use tarragon in winter, then place a plant in the windowsill. It tastes much better fresh.
