Product description
French Tarragon is a highly prized culinary herb cultivated almost exclusively for the sophisticated, aniseed flavour found in its slender green leaves. This distinctive taste, often described as a mix of liquorice and vanilla with a peppery bite, is far superior to the coarser Russian variety and acts as a cornerstone of fine French cuisine. It is traditionally used to elevate creamy sauces like Béarnaise, as well as chicken and egg dishes, where its aromatic oils provide a subtle yet complex depth of flavour.
This plant is typically grown as a clump-forming perennial that needs a warm, sheltered spot to thrive, as it can be temperamental in damp conditions. While reasonably hardy, it dislikes "wet feet" during dormancy and benefits from winter protection in colder climates. For the best results and most potent aroma, plant it in a location with full sun. It requires light, sandy, or gritty, well-drained soil, as it will rot quickly if left sitting in heavy, waterlogged ground.
Please Note: When purchasing plants please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only - The plant will be supplied in a growers pot.
Tarragon
Tarragon French
Tarragon French
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Product description
French Tarragon is a highly prized culinary herb cultivated almost exclusively for the sophisticated, aniseed flavour found in its slender green leaves. This distinctive taste, often described as a mix of liquorice and vanilla with a peppery bite, is far superior to the coarser Russian variety and acts as a cornerstone of fine French cuisine. It is traditionally used to elevate creamy sauces like Béarnaise, as well as chicken and egg dishes, where its aromatic oils provide a subtle yet complex depth of flavour.
This plant is typically grown as a clump-forming perennial that needs a warm, sheltered spot to thrive, as it can be temperamental in damp conditions. While reasonably hardy, it dislikes "wet feet" during dormancy and benefits from winter protection in colder climates. For the best results and most potent aroma, plant it in a location with full sun. It requires light, sandy, or gritty, well-drained soil, as it will rot quickly if left sitting in heavy, waterlogged ground.
Please Note: When purchasing plants please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only - The plant will be supplied in a growers pot.
Give your plants the best start
Garden Plant Size Guide
Plants in larger pots can be multiple years older than their smaller counterparts with more mature root systems and foliage. This makes them able to thrive as a full size plant in your garden quicker than smaller alternatives.
The most common size of pot that garden plants come in are 9cm/1L/3L/5L this is in reference to the diameter at the top of the pot.
9cm potted plants still remain the most popular cost effective option though, they just may take a little patience to allow them to grow into full maturity once planted in your garden.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
True French Tarragon rarely produces viable seed, so any seeds you buy will almost certainly be the inferior, tasteless Russian variety. To maintain vigour and ensure you keep that classic aniseed flavour, lift and divide the clumps every three years rather than trying to sow it.
How to Water
Water Tarragon French regularly during the growing season to establish the roots, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings once mature. It is highly susceptible to root rot, so never leave it sitting in waterlogged ground or a saucer of water.
How to Plant
French Tarragon will thrive in a warm, sheltered position in full sun with light, sandy soil, digging in plenty of horticultural grit to ensure water drains away rapidly. Plant the root ball at the same depth it was previously growing, handling the brittle roots carefully to avoid snapping them.
