Companion Plants for Tarragon

Description

• French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) can be grown as an annual or as a perennial. It prefers full sun but does not do well in hot temperatures. In areas where temperatures go above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, providing partial shade may be necessary. Plant French tarragon 24 inches apart in a well-drained soil. It grows to a height of 24 to 36 inches. If grown as a perennial, it may be necessary to cover French tarragon with mulch during the winter months.

Companion Planting

• Companion planting is the practice of locating plants close to each other due to their ability to complement the other's growth or to attract or repel necessary insects. It can be a natural method for ridding your garden of pests. The scent of French tarragon repels most insects. It is also considered to be a "nurse plant," which means it enhances the growth and flavor of nearby plants.

Eggplant

• Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family, which also includes tomato, pepper and potato. It requires a long, warm growing season in order to thrive. The plants are easily killed by even a light frost and should not planted in the ground until all danger of frost has passed. Plant eggplant 2 to 2 1/2 feet apart in rows 3 1/2 to 4 feet apart. Insect pests of eggplant include flea beetles, Colorado potato beetle, aphids and spider mites. Planting French tarragon in close proximity may help deter these pests. French tarragon and eggplant are frequently used together in many recipes.

Artichoke

• Artichokes are a perennial plant. The edible part of the plant is its immature flower bud. Most varieties of artichokes do not reproduce true from seed and are planted using the divided roots of another artichoke plant. Artichoke plants grow to a height of 3 to 4 feet with a spread of up to 6 feet. Space the plants 4 to 6 feet apart in rows 6 to 8 feet apart. Artichoke plants are susceptible to artichoke plume moth as well as slugs and snails. Planting French tarragon nearby may help to deter these pests and may also enhance the overall vigor of the plant. Artichokes and French tarragon are often used together in recipes, such as dips and dressings.