Herb · Asteraceae family
tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
In short a 10-second read
Tarragon (herb) grows to 0.3–0.9 m tall and 0.3–0.45 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. It flowers in July–August; the flowers are yellow, green or white. Plant out in March–May, September–November. Hardy to −29 °C.
× spread 0.3–0.45 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −29 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: little
Soil: humus-rich, loamy, sandy
Soil pH 6–7.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
July–August · yellow, green or white
Pruning
cut back to the ground (October–November); harvest regularly (April–September)
Planting out
container plant: March–May, September–November
Winter protection
protect from winter wet, mulch the crown
Overwintering
In winter it needs protection.
Before the first frosts: protect from winter wet, mulch the crown.
- Protect from winter wet
- Mulch the crown
- Hardy to −29 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does tarragon flower?
In July–August; the flowers are yellow, green or white.
Does tarragon tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does tarragon need?
At maturity 0.3–0.45 m wide and 0.3–0.9 m tall; recommended spacing 30 cm.
Does tarragon survive winter outdoors?
Yes, with protection: protect from winter wet, mulch the crown.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (9)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS — How to grow tarragon
- Wikidata (CC0) — Artemisia dracunculus
- OSU Extension - Growing Herbs
- Missouri Botanical Garden - Herbs factsheet
- RHS - Artemisia dracunculus
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
- RHS - How to grow perennial plants
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU
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