How to Grow Tarragon in New Zealand
Buy French tarragon as a plant, since the seed-grown Russian type has far weaker flavour. Give it free-draining soil and a little afternoon shade through the hottest northern weeks. It is perennial in the warm north, dying back in winter and shooting again in spring.
When to plant tarragon in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
Best tarragon varieties for NZ
- French Tarragon — The true culinary tarragon with aniseed flavour, grown only from plants or division as it does not come true from seed. (Garden centres, herb nurseries)
- Russian Tarragon — Grows readily from seed but the flavour is much milder than French tarragon. (Egmont Seeds)
How to grow tarragon
- Space plants about 40cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 75 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow tarragon near: Most vegetables.
Pests and problems
Watch for: few pests. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant tarragon in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy tarragon seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Garden centres, herb nurseries, Egmont Seeds.