What Do Tarragon Seedlings Look Like? A Complete Guide to Identifying and Growing This Delicate Herb from Seed

Tarragon is an aromatic culinary herb that imparts a lovely anise-like flavor to dishes. Though most often used dried, fresh tarragon also packs a flavorful punch and is delightful in salads marinades, vinegars and more.

While tarragon can be propagated from cuttings, dividing plants, or layering, growing it from seed is another great option. However, if you’re new to tarragon, you may wonder – what do tarragon seedlings look like once they begin to sprout?

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about identifying tarragon seedlings and successfully growing this delicate herb from seed.

What Do Tarragon Seeds Look Like?

Before we get into what the seedlings look like, let’s briefly go over the seeds themselves

Tarragon seeds are tiny, elongated, and light brown in color. They are contained within seed pods on the parent tarragon plant.

When freshly harvested, tarragon seeds may have a bit of a flaky, crusty outer coating. But as the seeds fully mature and dry out, this outer layer smoothes out.

Mature, viable tarragon seeds will have a more uniform, smooth appearance and light brown color. Older seeds tend to be darker in color and misshapen. For the best germination rates, always opt for fresh seed.

What Do Tarragon Seedlings Look Like As They Sprout?

Once you’ve planted your tarragon seeds, in 10-15 days you’ll start to see the first signs of sprouts emerging provided seeds are kept warm and consistently moist.

Here’s a step-by-step look at what you can expect as those tiny seeds become baby tarragon plants:

Cotyledons Emerge

The first leaves to emerge from the seeds are called cotyledons, or seed leaves. These first leaves are rounded and smooth, with a lighter green color than true leaves.

First True Leaves Develop

After the cotyledons come the first pair of true leaves. These will look like delicate miniature versions of mature tarragon leaves – long, slender, and bright green.

Stems and Roots Form

The seedling stems are thin, fragile, and light green at first. Below soil, white hair-like roots emerge from seeds and will lengthen and thicken over time as the plant matures.

Seedlings Grow Upright

Tarragon seedlings grow tall with an upright habit right from the start. They can reach 2-4 inches in height within the first few weeks as the root system establishes.

Monitor Height

Seedlings may stretch and become leggy if light is insufficient. Ideally keep seedling height in check by providing ample sunlight and proper spacing.

Identify True Leaves

Scan for those characteristic spear-shaped true leaves to positively identify tarragon seedlings. Weed early to prevent crowding.

With the right conditions, tarragon seeds can take 14-21 days to fully germinate but growth may be slower in cooler temperatures. Patience is key!

Step-By-Step Guide to Growing Tarragon from Seed

Growing tarragon from seed is very rewarding but does require some special care. Here are some key tips for success:

• Start seeds indoors – Tarragon has the best results when started indoors and transplanted outside later on. Sow seeds in containers filled with seed starting mix.

• Use fresh seeds – Fresher seeds have higher viability rates. Try to use new seeds each season for optimal germination.

• Plant seeds shallowly – Tarragon seeds need light to germinate so just barely cover them, about 1⁄4 inch deep.

• Maintain warm temperatures – Tarragon seeds sprout best with consistent warmth around 70°F-75°F. Consider using a seedling heat mat.

• Keep soil moist – Check soil daily and water whenever the top inch dries out. Proper moisture is critical, especially for the first two weeks.

• Allow proper spacing – Once true leaves appear, thin seedlings to at least 2 inches apart to prevent overcrowding.

• Harden off seedlings – Gradually introduce seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting.

• Transplant with care – Plant seedlings into the garden after all danger of frost, spacing about 18-24 inches apart.

• Give tarragon full sun – Mature tarragon thrives best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

• Grow in well-drained soil – Tarragon prefers slightly alkaline soil that drains readily. Amend if needed.

• Water and fertilize minimally – Too much moisture and nutrients diminish tarragon’s flavor so go gently.

Follow those tips diligently and you’ll be rewarded with a flourishing crop of tarragon from seed! Just be patient – it can take up to a year for young tarragon plants to fully establish.

Caring for Tarragon Seedlings

Those first few weeks after sprouting are a critical time for tarragon seedlings. Here’s how to keep them healthy:

• Give seedlings the brightest light possible to prevent stretching and spindly growth. Supplement natural light with grow lights as needed.

• Carefully monitor soil moisture. Water lightly when the top inch dries out. Take care not to overwater.

• Maintain warm soil and air temperatures around 70°F for best growth rates.

• Allow adequate airflow around seedlings and gently fan them daily. Good ventilation prevents damping off disease.

• Once true leaves appear, begin applying a diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Go lightly to avoid burning tender roots.

• Transplant seedlings outdoors only after the last spring frost date, when plants have at least 3-4 true leaves present.

With attentive care while seedlings are young, you’ll set them up for healthy, vigorous growth!

Common Problems to Watch For

Even experienced gardeners can struggle with seedlings sometimes. Here are a few potential issues to keep an eye out for:

• Damping off – A fungal disease causing seedling stems to rot at soil level. Avoid by providing good airflow and proper moisture levels.

• Leggy growth – Seedlings become tall, thin and weak. Increase light exposure and gently brush stems daily to strengthen plants.

• Poor germination – This can be caused by old seed, incorrect planting depth, low moisture, or cool temperatures.

• Discolored leaves – May indicate problems like overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies. Check soil moisture and fertilizer regimen.

• Insect damage – Watch for aphids, thrips, or tiny caterpillars eating foliage. Remove pests by hand or use insecticidal soap if needed.

Catching problems early allows you to take corrective action and get seedlings thriving once again. Ask other growers for help identifying issues.

Final Tips for Growing Tarragon from Seed

Here are a few final useful tips to ensure success with tarragon seeds:

• Purchase fresh, high-quality seeds each season for optimal germination rates.

• For quicker sprouting, choose pre-chilled seeds or cold stratify seeds yourself by refrigerating for 2-4 weeks before planting.

• Start more seeds than you need – not every seed will successfully sprout. This allows you to thin and transplant the strongest seedlings.

• Be patient and don’t harvest any leaves the first year. Allow young plants a full year to establish before cutting.

• Mulch around seedlings to conserve moisture and prevent weeds from competing for space and nutrients.

• When transplanting, choose a cloudy day or late afternoon to avoid stressing tender plants. Water them in well after transplanting.

• Control weeds carefully by hand pulling since tarragon has a shallow root system that’s easily damaged.

Follow this advice and soon you’ll be rewarded with the sight of flourishing tarragon seedlings ready to transform into bountiful plants! It’s incredibly satisfying to grow this culinary herb yourself from seed.

Time to Get Planting!

Hopefully this gives you confidence in identifying delicate little tarragon seedlings as they emerge, and also provides helpful tips for successfully growing tarragon from seed to harvest.

Pay close attention in those first few weeks after sprouting, and you’ll soon have healthy seedlings ready to transplant. Then just give them a little time to establish, and that sweet, licorice-like tarragon flavor will be ready to enliven all sorts of savory dishes in your kitchen!