When to Plant French Tarragon in Alice Springs — Arid / Semi-Arid Guide
The true French tarragon prized in classical French cuisine. Critical fact: French tarragon does NOT set viable seed in Australia (or anywhere). Any 'tarragon seed' you find for sale is Russian tarragon (A. dracunculus var. inodora), which has inferior flavour. True French tarragon can ONLY be propagated by division or cuttings. It struggles in hot, humid climates and is best suited to cool-temperate and Mediterranean zones.
Planting Calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — | — | — | S | T/D | — | — | — | — |
S = Seed Tray T = Transplant D = Direct Sow
How to Grow French Tarragon in Arid / Semi-Arid Australia
When to Plant
Plant divisions Mar-May or Aug-Sep.
- Soil
- Light, well-drained soil. Sandy loam ideal. HATES wet feet - drainage is critical.
- pH Range
- 6.5-7.5
- Sunlight
- Full sun to light afternoon shade. Needs warmth but not extreme heat.
- Spacing
- 50cm apart, 60cm between rows
- Watering
- Moderate watering. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering causes root rot. More plants are killed by overwatering than underwatering.
Companion plants: Most vegetables - tarragon has few negative companions
Arid / Semi-Arid Growing Tips for French Tarragon
Recommended Varieties
- Standard French tarragon
Key Challenges
- Summer heat above 40C
- Spider mite pressure
Pro Tips
- Better success than humid zones due to dry air
- Afternoon shade essential
- Regular misting deters spider mites
Harvesting French Tarragon
When ready: Harvest leaves once stems are 15cm+ tall. Best flavour before any flowering.
How to harvest: Snip stem tips, cutting above a leaf node. This encourages branching. Harvest in morning for peak essential oil. Can cut entire plant to 10cm in mid-season for a flush of fresh growth.
Common French Tarragon Pests in Arid / Semi-Arid Zones
Organic prevention: Regular misting in dry weather. Avoid dusty, hot, dry positions. Adequate watering.
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