Here are the requirements for growing tarragon from seed:
- Seed soaking: Tarragon seeds do not require soaking before planting.
- Germination requirements: Tarragon seeds require light to germinate, so do not cover them deeply with soil.
- Seed planting depth: Plant tarragon seeds about 1/8 inch deep in well-draining soil.
- Temperature range for germination: Tarragon seeds germinate best at temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
- Days until germination: Tarragon seeds typically germinate within 14-21 days.
- Indoor vs outdoor planting: Tarragon can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or sown directly outside after the danger of frost has passed.
- USDA hardiness zone and frost hardiness: Tarragon is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and can withstand light frost.
- Annual vs perennial: Tarragon is a perennial herb.
- Seed spacing and thinning: Plant tarragon seeds about 8-10 inches apart and thin to one plant per pot or 18-24 inches apart in the garden.
- Plant spacing: Space tarragon plants 18-24 inches apart in the garden.
- Sunlight requirements: Tarragon requires full sun to partial shade and 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Height range for mature plants: Tarragon can grow up to 2 feet tall.
- Transplanting: Transplant tarragon seedlings outside after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.
- Flowering: Tarragon produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in mid to late summer, but it is primarily grown for its flavorful leaves.