French Tarragon Perennial Zone

Hardiness

• French tarragon is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 3 through 8, tolerating winter temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It grows wild throughout much of the United States west of the Mississippi, as well as Canada. Tarragon must have excellent drainage to survive the winter.

Culture

• As with most types of Artemisia, French tarragon grows best in full sun or light shade in dry, well-drained soil. Soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, 6.5 to 7.5. Since tender, young shoots have the most essential oil and best flavor, plants should be cut to ground level in fall or early spring. French tarragon grown this way will reach 2 to 3 feet high and wide by season's end. In the garden, space plants 2 to 3 feet apart because proper air circulation is essential. Allow the plants to dry between waterings.

Winter Care

• French tarragon can be potted up and brought inside for fresh use during the winter or left to over-winter in the garden in zones 3 and warmer. In areas with cold winters, shear the plant to ground level after top growth is killed back by frost, then cover the crown with a winter mulch such as straw or loose leaves. If brought inside, place French tarragon in a south-facing window where it will get at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.

Rooted Cuttings

• To start new plants from cuttings, cut 4- to 6-inch stems right below a node early in the morning. Remove the lower one-third of the leaves, dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting compound and insert the cuttings into damp potting soil or starting media. Tarragon is slow to root, so cuttings should be taken early in the season to give the plants as long a period as possible to establish themselves before cold weather arrives. New plants started this way should be given extra protection their first year in the garden.