Herb
Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardArtemisia dracunculus
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 9.
LightFull Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size1-3 feet × 1-2 feet
About Tarragon
French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a perennial culinary herb with slender, anise-scented leaves, a staple of French cuisine. In NE Florida, it struggles with summer heat and humidity and is best grown as a cool-season crop (fall through spring). UF/IFAS recommends Mexican tarragon (Tagetes lucida) as a better-adapted year-round substitute. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
May lose some foliage in cold snaps.
Care essentials
Light
Tarragon requires full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily. Note: French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) does not fare well in NE Florida's summer heat and humidity; consider Mexican tarragon (Tagetes lucida) as a superior heat-tolerant alternative.
Water
Keep soil moderately moist but well-drained; do not overwater. In Florida's humid summers, excellent drainage is critical to prevent root rot. Best grown during Florida's cooler months (fall through early spring) when heat stress is reduced.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in sandy, lean, well-drained soil — rich soil reduces aromatic oil concentration and vigor. Avoid heavy fertilization; apply a light balanced fertilizer once at planting. In NE Florida, grow as a cool-season annual sown in fall and harvested before summer heat arrives.
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Common questions
Is Tarragon a good plant for St. Augustine?
Tarragon is a herb for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 1-3 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.