Tarragon is a popular herb known for its distinct licorice-like flavor. While there are a few different varieties, French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is the most coveted for cooking. With its sweet, aromatic taste, tarragon makes a wonderful addition to various dishes including chicken, fish, vegetables, sauces, vinegars, and more.
Though tarragon can be grown from cuttings and division, starting it from seed is another great option. However, you may be wondering – what do tarragon seedlings look like? Read on for a complete guide to identifying and growing tarragon from seed.
What Tarragon Seeds and Seedlings Look Like
Tarragon seeds are very small, elongated, and light brown in color. They are contained in seed pods on the tarragon plant The seeds can start off looking a bit flaky or crusty but become smoother as they mature.
Once planted, tarragon seeds will typically germinate in 10-15 days when kept consistently moist and warm. However, germination can take up to 30 days. Here’s what to look for once they begin sprouting:
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Cotyledons (seed leaves) – The first leaves to emerge are called the cotyledons. These initial round leaves will be lighter green and smooth.
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True leaves – After the cotyledons come the first true leaves. These will be narrow, delicate, and bright green. They will resemble mature tarragon leaves but on a smaller scale
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Stems and roots – Seedling stems are thin and tender while roots are white and hair-like initially, thickening over time.
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Height – Tarragon seedlings grow upright and may reach 2-4 inches in height as they establish.
Proper identification is important since tarragon seedlings bear similarity to young weeds. Look for the distinctive smooth, spear-shaped true leaves to confirm tarragon seedlings. Removing any weeds early on will prevent them from crowding out young tarragon plants.
How to Grow Tarragon from Seeds
Growing tarragon from seed takes some patience but is doable if you follow a few key tips:
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Choose fresh seeds – The fresher the seeds, the better chance they have of germinating. Avoid old, stale seeds.
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Start seeds indoors – Tarragon thrives when sown indoors and transplanted out later. Sow seeds in containers filled with seed starting mix.
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Plant seeds shallowly – Barely cover tarragon seeds with soil, no more than 1⁄4 inch deep. They need light to germinate.
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Maintain warmth – Tarragon seeds germinate best at 70-75°F. Consider using a seedling heat mat.
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Keep moist – Water seeds regularly to keep the starting mix consistently damp.
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Allow spacing – Thin seedlings to at least 2 inches apart once true leaves appear.
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Harden off – Gradually introduce seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting. Avoid shock.
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Transplant carefully – Move seedlings outside after all danger of frost, planting 18-24 inches apart.
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Provide sun – Tarragon thrives in full sun. Choose a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
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Grow in well-drained soil – Tarragon prefers slightly alkaline soil that drains well. Amend with compost if needed.
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Water and fertilize minimally – Too much moisture and nutrients diminish tarragon’s flavor.
Following these tips will give your tarragon seedlings the best start! Be patient, as it can take up to a year for young plants to become established and reach full maturity. But the wait is well worth it for the delicious tarragon harvests to come!
Caring for Tarragon Seedlings
Once seedlings sprout, there are a few key things to focus on to keep them healthy:
Provide Plenty of Light
Getting adequate sunlight is crucial for young tarragon plants. Place seedlings in the brightest spot possible, supplementing with grow lights if needed. As seedlings grow, move them closer to the light source.
Monitor Soil Moisture
Seedlings need consistently damp soil to thrive. Water whenever the top inch becomes dry. Avoid both overwatering and underwatering which can stunt growth.
Regulate Temperature
Maintain warm soil and air temperatures around 70°F for optimal growth. Cooler temperatures may inhibit growth. Heat mats or mini greenhouses can help regulate warmth.
Allow Adequate Ventilation
Good air circulation prevents issues like mold or damping off disease. Gently fan seedlings daily and ensure they have space between each other.
Provide Nutrients
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once seedlings develop true leaves. Fertilize lightly every 2-3 weeks to nourish plants without overfeeding them.
Transplant on Time
Don’t wait too long to move seedlings outside. Transplant tarragon after the last spring frost once plants have 3-4 true leaves or reach 4 inches tall.
Giving seedlings proper care in their early stages will ensure they grow up to become thriving, productive tarragon plants!
Common Problems with Tarragon Seedlings
Raising healthy tarragon seedlings does take some skill. Here are a few potential issues to watch for:
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Damping off – Fungal disease causing seedling stems to rot at soil line. Provide good airflow and avoid overwatering.
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Leggy growth – Seedlings stretching and becoming tall/weak. Give more light and gentle air circulation.
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Poor germination – Various factors like old seeds, improper planting depth, low moisture levels, or cool temperatures can affect germination.
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Discolored leaves – Can indicate issues like overwatering, drought stress, or nutrient deficiencies. Check soil moisture and fertilizer practices.
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Insect damage – Watch for damage from aphids, caterpillars, thrips. Remove by hand or use organic insecticidal soap if needed.
Catching problems early allows you to take corrective action and get seedlings back on track. Seeking advice from more experienced gardeners can also help diagnose issues.
Final Tips for Growing Tarragon from Seed
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Purchase fresh seeds each year for best results. Tarragon seeds typically only stay viable for 1-2 years.
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For convenience, look for pre-chilled tarragon seeds which are ready to sow immediately. Otherwise cold stratify seeds in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks before planting.
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Grow more seedlings than you need. Not every seed will successfully germinate so plan to thin extras.
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Give seedlings time to become established before harvesting. Avoid cutting any leaves the first year.
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Control weeds which steal water/nutrients from tender seedlings. Carefully hand pull weeds near tarragon plants.
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Mulch around seedlings to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Use compost or grass clippings.
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Transplant on a cloudy day or late afternoon to reduce transplant shock. Water seedlings well after transplanting.
With the right care and information on what to expect, raising tarragon from seed can be an extremely gratifying experience. Get those seeds started and enjoy the journey from tiny seed to abundant harvest!
When to Plant Tarragon Seeds
It is best to plant Tarragon seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost of the season. If you want to plant them outside, wait until the soil is 60 to 70°F.
Where to Plant Tarragon Seeds
Plant Tarragon in loamy to sandy soils that aren’t overly rich in nutrients. Soils that drain readily are a must. For optimal health, plants need full sun (6–8 hours per day), but they can also handle partial sun (4-6 hours per day), though the flavor will be lessened. Do not plant in areas where the garden is frequently watered.
How to Grow Tarragon, Seed to Kitchen! Cuttings, Care, Dishes, and More!
FAQ
What does tarragon look like when it grows?
How long does it take for tarragon to grow from seed?
Why is tarragon so hard to grow?
Does tarragon grow well in pots?
Do tarragon flowers produce seeds?
Tarragon flowers do not produce usable seeds. If the flowers develop seeds at all, they will most likely be sterile, or incapable of germinating. Tarragon plants can only be propagated by root cuttings, rhizome sprouts, and stem division. Tarragon can be consumed fresh or dried. It has a pungent, peppery bite and a sweet, licorice-like flavor.
What does a tarragon plant look like?
Multiple woody branches are decorated with green, glossy, thin, spear-shaped leaves with pointed tips and flat margins. In the summertime, tarragon plants begin to flower, producing yellowish-green blossoms atop each of the plant’s stems. Tarragon’s flowers are actually composite blossoms.
Does French tarragon grow from seed?
However, unlike its Russian counterpart, French tarragon doesn’t produce viable seeds and is typically propagated through division or cuttings. Russian tarragon, on the other hand, readily grows from seed and has a milder licorice taste. For cooking, use French tarragon.
Where can I find Tarragon seeds?
Plants are readily available at most garden centers. These are generic species plants and at present, there are no cultivars to choose from. And keep in mind that the French variety does not grow from seed – when you find tarragon seeds, they are the Russian type.
Can French tarragon be propagated?
French Tarragon can only be grown by propagation or by buying an established plant. This herb doesn’t flower much and, when it does, the flowers are sterile. If you can get a stem cutting from an existing plant in late spring or early summer, you should have good success in propagating the plant.
Where do tarragon plants grow?
Tarragon plants can grow in well-drained, fertile soil. However, they are also quite tolerant of poor, dry, or sandy soil.