How to Grow Tarragon in Australia
A year-round herb crop for the home garden
Growing your own Tarragon is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$3-5/week, fresh tarragon is expensive and hard to find; one plant produces for years.
This guide covers when to plant Tarragon in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Tarragon is a year-round crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Tarragon part sun to light shade. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 25cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 40 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 15 and 25 degrees.
French tarragon (the culinary variety) does not grow true from seed, propagate from cuttings or root division only. Russian tarragon grows from seed but has inferior flavour. Part shade in SEQ summer, full sun in winter. Well-drained soil essential. Perennial in SEQ, dies back in winter and regrows in spring. One of the most important French kitchen herbs.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 3 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Few. The main diseases to watch are Root rot and Downy mildew. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Tarragon is typically ready to harvest in around 75 days (about 2 months). Fridge loosely wrapped, up to 1 week. Freeze in ice cube trays with olive oil. Dry less well than other herbs.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, tarragon is good essential in bearnaise and French sauces, added to chicken, fish and egg dishes, infused into vinegar for dressings and used in fines herbes blend with chives, parsley and chervil. Nutritionally: contains antioxidants and essential oils and supports digestion and appetite.
Companion Planting
Tarragon grows well alongside Most vegetables. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Tarragon Growing
Add tarragon to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tarragon in Australia?
Tarragon is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Tarragon take to grow?
Tarragon is generally ready to harvest in around 75 days (about 2 months).
Can I grow Tarragon in a pot?
Yes. Tarragon grows well in a container of 25cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Tarragon need?
Give it part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Tarragon in the Plant Library
