French Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
A perennial subshrub characterized by its slender, branching stems and narrow, lance-shaped, smooth green leaves that are arranged alternately.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water
- Low to moderate watering needs. It is drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil dries between waterings to prevent root rot.
- Growth
- Herbaceous perennial reaching 18 to 36 inches in height and spreading about 12 to 15 inches. It has an upright, bushy growth form.
Care instructions
Provide this plant with full sun and very well-draining soil. It prefers a somewhat dry environment and should be watered only when the top few inches of soil have dried out. Avoid excessive fertilization, as it can reduce the aromatic quality of the foliage.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Low to moderate watering needs. It is drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil dries between waterings to prevent root rot.
Soil
Well-draining, light, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5 to 7.5).
Hardiness zone
Zones 4 through 9
Growth habit
Herbaceous perennial reaching 18 to 36 inches in height and spreading about 12 to 15 inches. It has an upright, bushy growth form.
Bloom season
Mid to late summer, producing small, inconspicuous drooping clusters of yellowish-green flowers.
Propagation
Propagated via root division in spring or autumn, or through softwood cuttings in summer, as the French variety rarely produces viable seeds.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and downy mildew in humid conditions. Spider mites can sometimes occur in dry indoor environments.
Similar species
Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides) is similar but grows taller, has coarser leaves, and is more vigorous; it is easily distinguished by its lack of the distinct anise-like fragrance found in the French variety.