Tarragon, botanically-known as Artemisia dracunculus, is believed to have been brought to Europe from Mongolia and Siberia by invading Mongols in the 13th century. Perhaps its remote birthplace contributes to its lack of popularity prior to this time. By the 15th century, it was popular enough in England to make its way to American shores with the colonists. In the Far East, true tarragon was known as "little dragon," a reference to its root system. It was thought to cure snakebites and other venomous bites. The herb was cooked and eaten as a vegetable centuries ago.

Growing Tarragon

French tarragon grows to a height of between two and four feet. It likes well drained soil but isn't fussy about soil amendments -- save the expensive soil additives for your vegetable patch. Keep tarragon in a spot that enjoys full sun in the morning with dappled light in the afternoon. It can tolerate full afternoon sun in locations that don't get too hot. If summer is sweltering where you live, provide tarragon some shade during the hottest part of the day, and keep it well watered. To make sure it overwinters successfully, mulch tarragon before the first hard frost.

How to Propagate French Tarragon

Tarragon is best started from cuttings in either spring or fall. Established plants can become root bound even when buried in the garden, so plan on starting new plants every few years. You can try digging up an established plant and separating it, but this strategy doesn't always work, so be prepared to lose most (if not all) of your transplants.

You can grow tarragon in a container indoors if you're lucky enough to have a spot that gets six hours of sunlight or more a day. Make sure to use a deep pot -- 10 to 12 inches is about the minimum you should consider. Tarragon sends out an aggressive root system and needs as much room under as it does above ground. If you have a potted tarragon plant growing or your deck or patio, you can bring it indoors during the winter months if you can provide good light Harvesting Tarragon

You can start harvesting a few leaves from young tarragon plants when they reach 8-10 inches in height, or from late July for established plants. Tarragon doesn't dry well, so use it fresh in your summer recipes; cut plants back a few inches in fall and freeze your harvest.

Preserving Tarragon

As prevously mrntioned, Tarragon does not dry well, so the best approach to preserving the herb is to freeze it.Place shredded leaves in individual compartments of an ice tray along with a drop of olive oil. After freezing, pop the cube out and store in a plastic bag.