Grow French Tarragon Indoors: The Complete Guide to Growing Fresh Tarragon Year – Round
French tarragon is one of the finest culinary herbs you can grow at home. Its delicate aniseed flavour makes it an essential ingredient in French cooking, perfect for seasoning chicken dishes, salads, sauces, fish recipes, and homemade vinegars.
Learn more about the different varieties in our guide to French, Russian and Mexican tarragon.
The good news is that you do not need a greenhouse or large garden to enjoy fresh tarragon throughout the year. With the right conditions, growing French tarragon indoors is straightforward and highly rewarding.
In this guide, you’ll learn the best ways to grow French tarragon indoors, how much light and water it needs, and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick links
This article covers:
- Why grow French Tarragon indoors (just below)
- 2 ways to grow Tarragon:
- French, Russian and Mexican Tarragon compared
- Common Problems When Growing French Tarragon Indoors
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Grow French Tarragon Indoors?
French tarragon struggles during the colder months, particularly in winter when temperatures drop and daylight hours are limited. Moving your plant indoors allows you to:
- Harvest fresh leaves throughout the year
- Protect plants from frost and harsh weather
- Keep a valuable culinary herb close to the kitchen
- Control watering and growing conditions more easily
For gardeners in the UK and other cooler climates, indoor growing is often the best way to maintain healthy plants during autumn and winter.
And you will have a constant supply of French Tarragon when cooking meals. (Like the pictured dairy free Bearnaise sauce)
Option 1: Grow French Tarragon Indoors Using a Grow Light
One of the most reliable methods is to place your tarragon in a bright indoor location and supplement natural light with a grow lamp.
Light Requirements
French tarragon requires at least 8 hours of light each day. During winter, many homes simply do not receive enough natural sunlight, especially north-facing rooms.
A quality LED grow light can provide the intensity needed for healthy growth and help prevent the plant from becoming leggy. See our guide to choosing grow lights for indoor herbs.
The French tarragon is the picture was growing outside, in the same pot and I simply put it indoors at the end of the summer.
Watering
Tarragon develops surprisingly deep roots, even when grown in containers.
For best results:
- Water thoroughly so moisture reaches the lower roots
- Allow excess water to drain away
- Avoid leaving pots standing in water
- Mist leaves once or twice per week if indoor air is very dry
Soil and Feeding
French tarragon performs best in:
- Well-draining potting compost
- Containers with drainage holes
- Soil enriched with organic matter
Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser occasionally during active growth to encourage healthy foliage production.
Moving Outdoor Plants Indoors
If your tarragon has spent the summer outdoors, simply bring the pot inside before the first hard frosts. This is often easier than starting a new plant and allows you to continue harvesting fresh leaves through winter.
Action plan – how to start
- Buy a plug plant (where to buy online) or move it inside
- For a plug plant move it into a larger pot, with high quality soil
- Get a growing lamp:
- Switch it on for at least 8 hours per day.
- I tend to use the pictured one because of it’s easy of use. For price & to order visit Amazon
- Water regularly and mist once or twice per week if the air is dry. (For example if your heating is on during the winter)
Option 2: Grow French Tarragon on a Windowsill
A sunny windowsill is another simple way to grow French tarragon indoors.
A south-facing window is ideal, although east- or west-facing windows can also work if they receive plenty of daylight.
Choose a Healthy Plant
One important thing to know is that true French tarragon does not grow reliably from seed.
Instead, purchase:
- A plug plant
- A young nursery-grown plant
- A division from an established plant
Starting with a healthy plant gives much better results than attempting to grow French tarragon from seed.
The picture on the right shows one I planted last week and is growing happily.
Windowsill Care Tips
To keep your tarragon healthy:
- Place it where it receives plenty of light
- Water regularly but avoid waterlogging
- Rotate the pot every week to encourage even growth
- Harvest leaves frequently to promote new shoots
Action plan – how to start
- Buy a plug plant (where to buy online) or move it inside
- For a plug plant move it into a larger pot, with high quality soil.
- I tend to use something as simple as the pictured plant pot.
- For price & to order visit Amazon
- Place the pot on a windowsill which gets plenty of light.
- Water regularly and rotate the pot every week.
French Tarragon vs Russian Tarragon vs Mexican Tarragon
Not all tarragon varieties are the same.
French Tarragon
- Best flavour for cooking
- Essential herb in French cuisine
- Cannot be reliably grown from seed
- Requires a little more care
- More details in our guide to French Tarragon
Russian Tarragon
- Easy to grow from seed
- More vigorous growth
- Less flavourful than French tarragon
- Often considered inferior for culinary use
- More details in our guide to Russian Tarragon
Mexican Tarragon
- Easier to grow in warm climates
- Attractive flowers
- Good alternative where French tarragon struggles
- Different flavour profile
- More details in our guide to Mexican Tarragon
For serious cooking, French tarragon remains the preferred choice. There is more info on the different types in the Tarragon recipes section
Common Problems When Growing French Tarragon Indoors
Yellow Leaves
Usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
Weak, Leggy Growth
Typically a sign that the plant needs more light.
Slow Growth
May indicate low temperatures, insufficient feeding, or inadequate sunlight.
Root Rot
Often occurs when excess water builds up around the roots. Always use free-draining compost and containers with drainage holes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can French Tarragon Grow Indoors All Year?
Yes. With sufficient light, regular watering, and occasional feeding, French tarragon can thrive indoors year-round.
Does French Tarragon Need Direct Sunlight?
French tarragon prefers bright light and can tolerate direct sun, especially during winter. A sunny windowsill or grow light usually provides the best results.
Can You Grow French Tarragon from Seed?
No. True French tarragon rarely produces viable seed. Most gardeners grow it from divisions, cuttings, or nursery plants.
How Often Should I Harvest French Tarragon?
Harvest little and often. Regular picking encourages fresh growth and helps maintain a compact plant.
Final Thoughts
Growing French tarragon indoors is one of the easiest ways to enjoy fresh herbs throughout the year. Whether you use a grow light in the kitchen or a sunny windowsill, providing enough light, well-drained soil, and consistent watering will reward you with a steady supply of aromatic leaves for cooking.
If you enjoy French cuisine, there are few herbs more valuable to have growing just a few steps from your kitchen.