Growing Tarragon Outdoors: French vs. Russian, Care, Zones

title: "Growing Tarragon Outdoors: French vs. Russian, Care, Zones"

French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus with narrow linear smooth dark-green pointed lance-shaped leaves on slender stems — French tarragon’s slender lance-shaped leaves. Image: AI-generated reference.

By Thomas Joseph Published 2026-06-10 Updated 2026-06-13 Reviewed by Thomas Joseph 9 min read

Artemisia dracunculus, tarragon, is a perennial herb where cultivar selection matters more than in almost any other herb on this list. French tarragon (A. dracunculus var. sativa) is the culinary standard — the herb used in classic French cooking for béarnaise, fines herbes, and chicken dishes. Russian tarragon (A. dracunculus var. inodorus) is similar in appearance but nearly flavorless, and widely sold at garden centers. Buying the wrong one is the most common tarragon mistake.

I don't grow tarragon at the Long Island plot — this guide is sourced from university Extension publications and cultivar trial data.

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Quick Facts

Attribute	Detail
Scientific name	Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa (French tarragon)
Plant type	Herbaceous perennial
USDA zones	4–8 (French tarragon)
Cold tolerance	Hardy to -30°F (zone 4) with good drainage
Light	Full sun, 6–8 hours minimum
Soil pH	6.0–7.5
Water	Drought-tolerant once established; 1 inch per week until established
Mature size	24–36 inches tall, 12–18 inches wide

Reader questions

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What is the difference between French and Russian tarragon?

Per Clemson HGIC, French tarragon (*A. dracunculus* var. *sativa*) has a "strong anise-like flavor" and is the culinary standard. Russian tarragon (*A. dracunculus* var. *inodorus*) is "nearly flavorless." French tarragon is sterile and must be purchased as a transplant; Russian tarragon grows from seed. The simplest identification test: crush a leaf and smell it -- French tarragon has an unmistakable anise-licorice fragrance, Russian tarragon does not.

Is tarragon perennial?

French tarragon is perennial in zones 4–8. Per Missouri Botanical Garden, it is "hardy in zones 4 to 8" and dies back to the crown in winter, re-emerging in spring. In zones 9–10, it does not thrive because the winters are too mild for proper cold dormancy. Russian tarragon is technically perennial to zone 4 but is not worth growing for culinary purposes.

How do I preserve the tarragon harvest?

Per UMass Extension, freezing preserves more flavor than drying. Strip leaves, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Tarragon vinegar is the classic long-term preservation method: steep fresh sprigs in white wine vinegar for 2–4 weeks and strain. Per Penn State Extension, tarragon vinegar "captures the herb's anise character" and keeps for up to a year.

How often should I divide tarragon?

Per Penn State Extension, divide French tarragon every 3–4 years when the center of the clump becomes less productive. Divide in early spring before significant growth. Each division should have a section of root and several shoots. Dividing also provides new plants for expanding the planting or replacing aging sections. ---

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Growing Tarragon Outdoors: French vs. Russian, Care, Zones

Quick Facts

Growing Tarragon Outdoors: French vs. Russian, Care, Zones

Quick Facts

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