Where to Buy Tarragon Plants Near Me: A Complete Guide

Tarragon is a popular culinary herb that adds an invigorating flavor to many dishes. If you love using fresh tarragon in cooking, you may be wondering where you can buy tarragon plants for your own herb garden. Having a constant supply of fresh tarragon on hand can really enhance your cooking. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying tarragon plants locally.

An Overview of Tarragon

Tarragon, also known as French tarragon or German tarragon, is a perennial herb that is used to flavor many foods, especially chicken, fish, vegetables, sauces and vinegar The leaves have a distinctive licorice-anise flavor that is delicious in salad dressings, compound butters and herb vinegars

There are two main types of tarragon

• French tarragon – This is the variety used for cooking It has the best flavor but can be harder to find,

• Russian tarragon – More bitter tasting but easier to grow. Better for ornamental purposes than cooking.

French tarragon can be grown outdoors in zones 4-8. In colder zones, it can be grown indoors or treated as an annual and replanted each year. The plants have slender green leaves and tiny greenish-white flowers. They grow 12-36 inches tall.

Where to Purchase Tarragon Plants

When looking to buy tarragon plants, here are some options to consider in your local area:

Independent Garden Centers or Nurseries

Local, independent garden stores are a good place to check for tarragon plants. Many carry a selection of popular culinary herbs. Ask at the store for recommendations on the best variety of tarragon for your climate.

Farmer’s Markets

Check with vendors at your local farmer’s market to see if any sell tarragon transplants. Often herb farmers will bring young plants early in the season. Buying from a local grower is a great way to get healthy, robust plants.

Big Box Home Improvement Stores

Large home stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart often stock a limited selection of herb plants in their garden centers. Look for organic tarragon plants and inspect carefully for pest damage or disease.

Online Nurseries

If you have trouble finding tarragon locally, online nurseries like Burpee, Gurney’s, and Mountain Valley Growers sell tarragon transplants that can be shipped to your door. Make sure to plant as soon as possible after delivery.

Local Master Gardener Programs

Many counties have Master Gardener programs through the cooperative extension office. These clubs sometimes hold local plant sales where you may find tarragon. Check their events calendar for upcoming sales.

Neighbors and Friends

Ask your fellow gardening neighbors, friends or family if you can take cuttings from their tarragon plants to root your own. This can be a good way to get free transplants.

What to Look for When Buying

When purchasing tarragon plants, here are some tips for selecting the best quality:

• Choose plants with healthy looking foliage – avoid yellowing leaves or leaf spotting
• Look for vigorous root systems – this indicates a robust, well-established plant
• For potted plants, check that roots are not crowded or tightly wound around the root ball
• Select plants that are already growing consistently in height, not just bushy
• Ask if the tarragon is French or Russian variety to get the best culinary type

Ideally, purchase younger plants that are 5-12 inches tall. More mature tarragon plants don’t always transplant well. Also inspect any flowering stems and pinch them off, since flowering decreases the flavor of leaves.

How to Plant and Grow Tarragon

Once you’ve purchased your tarragon plant, follow these tips for successful planting and growing:

• Select a site with full sun to partial shade – tarragon thrives in locations with 6+ hours of sunlight per day
• Plant in well-draining soil of average fertility – avoid soggy or overly rich soil
• Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for growth
• Set the root ball slightly high so the top of soil is even with the ground
• Water thoroughly after planting and mist leaves for the first week
• Cut back stems by a third after planting to encourage bushy regrowth
• Let the soil dry slightly between waterings for best growth
• Pinch off flowers as they appear to prolong harvest period
• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Dig up a few plants each fall to overwinter indoors if needed

With the right care, tarragon will continue producing flavorful leaves for 3 years or longer before it needs replacing. Enjoy having fresh tarragon to elevate your home cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What time of year is best for planting tarragon?

Early spring is ideal for establishing tarragon in the garden. This gives plants time to grow strong roots before dealing with summer heat. You can also plant in fall in warmer zones.

How much sun does tarragon need?

Tarragon thrives with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Dappled shade in the hottest part of the day is beneficial.

Should tarragon be pruned regularly?

Lightly pruning tarragon every few weeks encourages tender new growth. Cut stems back by a third and always remove flowers.

What are signs my tarragon plant is unhealthy?

Yellowing leaves, spots on foliage, stunted growth and wilting even when watered can indicate issues. This may signal root rot, pests or nutrient deficiencies.

How long will a tarragon plant live?

A healthy tarragon plant will remain productive for 3 years or longer before it needs replacing. Growing conditions impact longevity.

Enjoy Fresh Tarragon from Your Garden

Adding tarragon to your herb garden is a great way to enjoy fresh flavor year-round. With so many options on where to find tarragon plants in your local area, you’re sure to locate one perfect for your space and growing conditions. Soon you’ll be cooking up delicious recipes enhanced by the unmistakable taste of homegrown tarragon.