A friend gave me a tarragon plant after I mentioned that I discovered this delightful herb in a recipe. Can anyone tell me how to use this plant? The only thing the directions said was that it needs full sunlight. I have it in a large pot on my deck where it gets 100% sun. I need to know when to pick it, do I let it dry out or use fresh leaves, etc. Thanks!
When I go home back to Missouri I will ask my neighbor. He grows all sorts of herbs in pots outside. He has a green thumb for sure. I ask him for advice. LOL!
I grow tarragon every year. It is supposed to come back every year but our winters are so severe that it never makes it Yes~it needs full sun and give it lots of water but don't drown it. (Water it when you can stick your finger in the soil about an inch before it feels damp) I use it fresh AND dried. You can pull the leaves off anytime and use it. I love it in a Mornay sauce over grilled chicken...that's probably my favorite. When you pick it-if you pinch off the top couple of inches after the plant is established it will become bushier and produce more leaves and not get spindly. In the fall before it freezes just strip the leaves off and either dry them completely then put them in a sealed baggy...or freeze them. The drying intensifies the flavor quite a bit so that is usually what I do. Then cut the plant back and you may get lucky enough that it will over winter.... Enjoy! TRose
I'm glad your plant is doing well for you. Its nice when you plant something edible and it grows nice for you. I miss having my vegetable garden, espeically now with the prices increasing for everything. My neighbor grows tomatoes and hot peppers and gives us some each year.
Free Forum Hosting
Important Announcement
First 
Return to Gardening