Where to Buy Tarragon Plants Near Me

Tarragon is a versatile herb that adds amazing flavor to dishes With its sweet, anise-like taste, tarragon can transform soups, sauces, chicken, fish and more If you want to add fresh tarragon to your cooking, the best way is to grow it yourself. But where can you find tarragon plants for sale near you?

Places to Buy Tarragon Plants In-Store

One of the easiest places to find tarragon plants is your local garden center or nursery. Many independent nurseries will carry a nice selection of culinary herbs, including tarragon. Some big box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot also sell tarragon in their garden departments during spring and summer.

When shopping for tarragon plants in person, look for ones with healthy green leaves and sturdy stems. Avoid plants that are wilted, yellowing or have brown spots. The plants should be around 6 inches tall in 4 inch pots. This size is ideal for transplanting into your herb garden.

Here are some top nurseries and stores for buying tarragon plants

• Lowe’s – Lowe’s has a nice herb selection that includes potted tarragon plants in the spring/summer. They carry the French tarragon variety, which has the best flavor for cooking.

• The Home Depot – Check The Home Depot’s herb and vegetable plants section for tarragon. Availability depends on the season and location.

• Local Nurseries – Independent nurseries and garden centers are great spots to find unique herb plants like tarragon. Ask them for recommendations on the best variety for your area.

• Farmer’s Markets – Some farmers and vendors at local farmer’s markets will sell potted tarragon plants along with their produce.

• Grocery Stores – Many grocers like Kroger, Publix and Safeway carry a small selection of fresh herbs and vegetable plants, including tarragon.

• Big Box Stores – Stores like Walmart, Target and Costco will sometimes stock tarragon plants with their other live plants and herbs.

Ordering Tarragon Plants Online

If you’re having trouble finding tarragon locally, ordering plants online is always an option. There are several reputable nurseries that ship live potted tarragon plants right to your door.

Here are some recommended online stores for buying tarragon plants:

• Burpee – This popular seed company also sells live plants, including French tarragon. Their plants ship at the proper planting time for your growing zone.

• Mountain Valley Growers – They offer certified organic French tarragon plants available to ship March through June.

• Edmunds’ Roses – This rose specialist has organic potted tarragon plants for sale on their site.

• Nature Hills Nursery – They have tarragon plants available to ship April through September.

• Amazon – Search Amazon for tarragon plants from third party sellers. Be sure to check reviews before purchasing.

When ordering plants online, look for sellers who ship at the right time for planting and guarantee live arrival. If you buy tarragon plants too early, they may suffer before you can get them in the ground.

Growing Tarragon From Seeds

While you can buy tarragon transplants, another option is growing it yourself from seeds. Starting tarragon from seed takes more time and care compared to buying plants, but it’s more affordable.

Here’s a quick guide to growing tarragon from seeds:

• Find Tarragon Seeds – Look for French tarragon seeds from reputable sellers online or at garden stores. Russian tarragon can also be grown from seeds but has less flavor.

• Start Seeds Indoors – Plant tarragon seeds indoors in starter trays 6-8 weeks before your last frost. They need warmth and light to germinate.

• Transplant Outdoors – After the danger of frost has passed, harden off seedlings for a few days before transplanting them into the garden.

• Give it Time – It can take 10-14 weeks for tarragon grown from seed to mature enough for harvesting. But afterwards you’ll have a continuous supply.

So while buying plants may be easier, growing tarragon from seed is a rewarding way to add this flavorful herb to your garden.

Choosing the Best Type of Tarragon

There are a few varieties of tarragon, but French tarragon is considered the best for cooking. Russian tarragon can also be used but has a weaker flavor. Here’s an overview of the tarragon types:

• French Tarragon – This variety has the sweetest, most pronounced tarragon flavor. It’s the best choice for culinary use. The only drawback is French tarragon can be harder to find and doesn’t grow from seeds.

• Russian Tarragon – Easier to find and can be grown from seeds. However, Russian tarragon has a bitter taste and is much less flavorful compared to French tarragon.

• Mexican Tarragon – Also called Spanish tarragon, this variety has an anise-like smell but no real tarragon flavor. Best used for ornamental purposes.

So when buying tarragon, try to find French tarragon specifically. The flavor is far superior to other varieties and makes a difference in recipes. Just check if the plant is labeled with the specific type.

Caring for Tarragon Plants

Once you’ve brought your new tarragon plant home, proper care will keep it thriving. Here are some tips for growing healthy tarragon:

• Sunlight – Tarragon thrives in full sun. Choose a spot that gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

• Soil – Tarragon needs well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or gravel to improve drainage.

• Watering – Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Too much moisture can cause root rot.

• Fertilizer – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.

• Pruning – Regularly prune tarragon to encourage new growth. Cut whole stems down to just above ground level.

• Winter Care – Mulch tarragon in winter for protection or bring potted plants indoors until spring.

With the right care, your tarragon plant will grow vigorously and add its sweet aroma and flavor to your cooking all season long. It’s easy to incorporate fresh tarragon into soups, sauces, salad dressings, chicken, fish and more.

Enjoying Fresh Homegrown Tarragon

One of the best parts of growing your own tarragon is having access to fresh leaves whenever you need them. Here are some ways to make the most of your homegrown tarragon:

• Make tarragon vinegar or oil by infusing the herbs in vinegar or olive oil. Great for salad dressings and marinades.

• Add chopped tarragon to omelets, scrambled eggs or frittatas.

• Use it to flavor creamy soups like potato, mushroom or tomato soup.

• Sprinkle chopped tarragon over roast chicken or fish before cooking.

• Mix it into compound butter to spread over cooked vegetables or grilled meat.

• Add tarragon to pasta salads, potato salad, coleslaw and more.

• Mix tarragon into dips and spreads like hummus, bean dip or creamy cheese spreads.

• Use tarragon instead of basil when making pesto.

With so many uses for fresh tarragon, a homegrown plant is an amazing addition to any herb garden. Follow these tips to find tarragon plants near you or grow your own from seeds. Soon you’ll enjoy tarragon’s sweet flavor in all your favorite dishes.