How to sow tarragon?

Tarragon is a highly valued perennial aromatic plant in cooking for its subtle aroma, both sweet and slightly aniseed. It is particularly used to flavour sauces, vinegars, marinades, or fish dishes. There are different species of tarragon. French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. Sativa), also known as true tarragon, produces seeds that are generally sterile: thus, it is not sown but propagated vegetatively. It has a more fragrant flavour than Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. dracunculoides), which is more robust and produces fertile seeds. Discover our tutorial with the different steps to successfully sow Russian tarragon, either under cover or in open ground.

When to sow tarragon?

The ideal time to sow tarragon depends on the chosen cultivation method. For sowing under cover, you can start as early as March, provided you maintain a temperature of around 18 to 20 °C. This method allows you to get a head start on the season and better control the germination environment. In contrast, for sowing in open ground, it is recommended to wait until mid-May, when all risk of frost has passed.

The difference between the two techniques mainly lies in the temperature and soil moisture. Under cover, you create a microclimate favourable to seed germination, while sowing in open ground is better suited for gardeners who have mild climatic conditions or prefer to avoid transplanting.

Where to sow tarragon?

Tarragon prefers a sunny to partially shaded location, sheltered from strong winds. The ideal soil should be light, well-drained, and slightly rich, with a pH close to neutral. In pots, ensure that the substrate does not retain too much moisture, as tarragon is sensitive to excess water. A mixture of seedling compost with a bit of sand will work perfectly. Sowing in buckets can be done in a conservatory or a heated mini-greenhouse, while sowing in open ground requires a well-exposed plot warmed by the spring sun.

How to sow tarragon under cover?

Necessary materials

• Some tarragon seeds.
• Some small pots or buckets.
• A light substrate, ideally seedling compost mixed with sand or perlite.
• A spray bottle or a watering can with a fine rose to water without disturbing the seeds.
• A mini-greenhouse or a transparent cover to maintain warmth and humidity.

Practical steps

• Fill the buckets or trays with the previously moistened and well-crumbled substrate.
• Place the seeds on the surface, without burying them deeply. Tarragon needs light to germinate.
• Lightly press down with a board or the back of a spoon to ensure good seed-substrate contact.
• Gently spray to moisten without soaking, then cover with a bell, lid, or plastic wrap.
• Place the buckets in a bright location, at a stable temperature of 18 to 20 °C.
• Regularly check the moisture and water as soon as the surface of the substrate begins to dry.
• Gradually uncover the seedlings after germination, usually after 10 to 20 days.
• Thin out to keep only one plant per bucket when the young shoots reach 5 cm.

How to sow tarragon in open ground?

Necessary materials

• Some tarragon seeds.
• A rake or claw to prepare and level the soil.
• A light substrate or fine compost to lightly cover the seeds.
• A seed sower (optional) to evenly distribute the seeds.
• A watering can with a fine rose to water gently.
• Garden labels: to note the date and variety sown.

Practical steps

• Choose a well-sunny location, with light, loosened, and weeded soil.
• Refine the soil in the top 5 centimetres, removing stones and clumps.
• Draw shallow furrows (about 0.5 cm) spaced 30 cm apart.
• Sow by scattering or in rows, evenly distributing the seeds.
• Lightly press down with the back of the rake, without burying the seeds too deeply.
• Cover with a very light layer of sifted soil or compost.
• Water gently, with a fine spray to avoid displacing the seeds.
• Monitor germination, which can take 10 to 20 days depending on the temperature.
• Thin the plants when the seedlings reach 5 to 7 cm, keeping 30 cm between each plant.

After sowing: care and maintenance of young plants

Once germination has occurred, care is essential to ensure good growth. Plants from sowing under cover will need to be gradually acclimatised to the outside for a few days before being transplanted. Transplanting into open ground or a permanent pot can be done from mid-May. Water moderately, avoiding excesses that promote root diseases.

In both cases, remember to mulch the soil around the young plants to retain moisture and limit weeds. Light but regular watering, especially in hot weather, will ensure good rooting. Cut the stems at the base in autumn, then mulch to protect the roots from frost. Tarragon will regrow the following spring.