Tarragon is quite easy to care for if it is in the right place. It likes it dry and warm, thrives well in a sunny to partially shaded location and does not tolerate waterlogging. It can be used in many ways in the kitchen.
How do I care for tarragon in the garden?
Tarragon care includes a sunny to partially shaded location, moderate watering without waterlogging, and pruning in autumn. German tarragon is moderately hardy, while French tarragon offers a milder flavor but is sensitive to frost.
The right watering
Tarragon likes it moderately moist. So it shouldn't be watered too much. It doesn't tolerate waterlogging at all. He also doesn't like it when you water him "from above", it's better to only water him at the roots as soon as the soil forms a dry layer.
Tarragon in winter
Russian tarragon is hardy down to -10 °C, but it is not particularly suitable for seasoning. French tarragon impresses with its sweet and mild aroma, but it cannot tolerate frost. The best alternative for the herb garden is therefore probably the German tarragon, which is somewhat winter-proof and more robust than the French version, but also has a stronger aroma.
German tarragon is cut about a hand's width above the ground in autumn and does not require any special winter protection. A layer of brushwood or leaves is enough if the temperatures drop very low for a long time.
Good and bad neighbors
In association with other plants, the growth of many herbs can change in a positive or negative way. Dill is a bad neighbor for tarragon, while thyme is a good one. Lemon balm promotes the growth of many herbs, which is why it should be in every herb garden.
Harvesting tarragon
You can harvest tarragon from spring until the onset of frost. The aroma is particularly intense shortly before flowering. This is the ideal harvest time if you want to dry or freeze your tarragon to stock up for the winter. However, tarragon loses some of its flavor with both methods of preservation. Tarragon tastes best freshly harvested.
The most important things in brief:
- sunny to partially shaded location
- water moderately
- Avoid waterlogging
- French tarragon: mild aroma
- German tarragon: conditionally winterproof
- Russian tarragon: more of a vegetable than a spice
Tips & Tricks
French tarragon scores with its finer aroma, while German tarragon is hardy to a certain extent.
