If you want a steady supply of fresh tarragon for cooking, these tarragon seed packets are ideal for home gardeners. This guide highlights five reliable options, explaining who they’re best for and why. Ideal buyers include culinary hobbyists, kitchen gardeners, small-space growers, and beginners seeking easy-to-grow perennials. The table below provides a quick snapshot of each choice.
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| Sow Right Seeds – Tarragon Seed Collection (French & Russian) | Gardeners who want both French and Russian varieties in one purchase |
| Sow Right Seeds – French Tarragon (Non-GMO Heirloom) | Cooks who want classic French Tarragon flavor and compact growth |
| Sow Right Seeds – Russian Tarragon (Little Dragon) | Gardeners seeking a reliable Russian variety with easy germination |
| Gaea’s Blessing – Tarragon Seeds (Open-Pollinated, Heirloom, Non-GMO) | Organic-minded gardeners who want a traditional aroma and easy sowing |
| Sow Right Seeds – French Tarragon (Non-GMO Heirloom, Second Listing) | Growers who want another reputable French tarragon option |
Sow Right Seeds Tarragon Seed Collection (French & Russian)
Beautiful, premium packets include both French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) and Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides). This perennial herb forms clumps of glossy green leaves on upright stems and thrives in poor soils. It is a low-maintenance option once established. Each packet contains at least 250 mg of seeds (about 1300 seeds). Best for indoor herb windowsill gardens or outdoor herb beds. This collection ensures you can harvest a continuous supply for soups, stews, and dressings.
Who it’s best for: Home chefs who want both varieties in one purchase and gardeners who like flexible growing spaces. Why selected: diversity in flavor profiles and reliable germination from a single bundle.
Caution: Growth can be slow to establish; ensure sun and well-drained soil for optimal clump formation.
Sow Right Seeds – French Tarragon (Heirloom, Non-GMO)
Beautiful, large premium packet of French Tarragon seeds with a distinct anise-like flavor. This perennial herb forms narrow, glossy green leaves on upright stems and tolerates less-than-ideal soils once established. Plant 1/4 inch deep in full sun and space 12-24 inches apart. Expected maturity in about 90-100 days. Growth height typically reaches 2-3 feet with a 12-15 inch spread. Great for French cuisine and fresh cooking.
Who it’s best for: Cooks who prize traditional French Tarragon and want a reliable, easy-to-grow core variety. Why selected: clear French profile and straightforward cultivation, with a long-standing culinary reputation.
Caution: Might require patience for settlers in cooler zones during first season.
Sow Right Seeds – Russian Tarragon (Little Dragon)
Full color packet featuring Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides). This herb is valued for its medicinal and culinary uses and can be a garden gift idea. Seeds germinate in 14-21 days when soil is warm enough; plant shallowly (about 1/16 inch) and space 18 inches apart in full sun. Plants reach 2-3 feet tall with a 10-16 inch spread and mature in 70-80 days. Zones typically 4-8 suitability is noted. Flavor is earthy with a mild anise note.
Who it’s best for: Gardeners seeking a reliable open-pollinated Russian variety that performs well from seed. Why selected: ease of germination and dependable vigor in a range of climates.
Caution: Russian Tarragon can be less cold-tolerant in extreme northern zones; protect young plants accordingly.
Gaea’s Blessing – Tarragon Seeds (Open-Pollinated, Heirloom)
Artemisia dracunculus, non-GMO open-pollinated heirloom. Tarragon is an aromatic leafy green herb with a subtle anise or licorice flavor. This seed set supports a fresh, springtime taste used in many recipes and is commonly employed in French cooking. Easy to sow with standard herb-growing practices. Seed quality and germination can help ensure a reliable harvest for herb lovers and cooks alike.
Who it’s best for: Organic gardeners seeking classic tarragon genetics and straightforward cultivation. Why selected: open-pollinated heirloom trait and broad culinary appeal.
Caution: As with many perennial herbs, establishment may take a season of patience to achieve robust clumps.
Sow Right Seeds – French Tarragon (Second Listing)
Premium French Tarragon seeds with a classic anise-like flavor. This perennial creates clumps of slender, glossy leaves on sturdy stems and tolerates poor soils after establishment. Germination occurs in 14-30 days under warm soil conditions; plant 1/4 inch deep and space 12-24 inches apart in full sun. Will reach about 2-3 feet tall with a 12-15 inch spread, maturing in roughly 90-100 days. Ideal for culinary use across multiple dishes and preservation as a spice.
Who it’s best for: Sow Right Seeds fans who want an additional dependable French Tarragon option. Why selected: consistent performance and clear cultivation guidelines from a trusted seed brand.
Caution: For gardeners in cooler regions, consider starting indoors or using season-extending methods to maximize growth.
Buying Guide: Tarragon Seed Buying Considerations
- Variety: French Tarragon offers the classic anise flavor used in many French recipes; Russian Tarragon has a milder aroma and often germinates more reliably from seed.
- Germination and Growth: Look for packets with clear germination timelines (e.g., 14-30 days) and space recommendations to plan bed layout.
- Perennial Nature: Most listed options are perennials; plan for year-to-year harvests in suitable climates.
- Open-Pollinated vs. Hybrid: Open-pollinated seeds maintain their genetics for future seed saving; hybrids may not seed true to type.
- Growing Conditions: Tarragon prefers full sun and well-drained soil; it tolerates poorer soils once established but requires patience at first.
- Indoor Gardening: Some collections emphasize indoor planting, ideal for kitchens and limited spaces with adequate light.
FAQ
- Q: Is French Tarragon easier to grow from seed than Russian Tarragon? A: French Tarragon is often grown from cuttings or transplants; Russian Tarragon tends to germinate more reliably from seed, making it a practical alternative for seed-based setups.
- Q: How long before I can harvest Tarragon from seed? A: Expect harvest readiness around 70-100 days after sowing, depending on variety and growing conditions.
- Q: Do these seeds require special soil? A: Tarragon tolerates poor soils but performs best in full sun with well-drained soil. Amending with organic matter helps.
- Q: Can I grow Tarragon indoors? A: Yes, especially the collections designed for indoor or kitchen gardens; provide bright light and steady moisture.
- Q: Can I save seeds for next season? A: Open-pollinated seeds can often be saved and replanted, preserving the parental traits in subsequent seasons.
- Q: Which Tarragon variety should I choose for cooking? A: French Tarragon is the preferred choice for traditional dishes and sauces; Russian Tarragon offers a milder flavor and easier seed growth.