When to plant Tarragon in Subtropical Australia
Subtropical zone — applies to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and similar areas. Growing elsewhere? Temperate · Cool · Tropical · Arid.
Raise tarragon from seed in September and October, sowing under cover and transplanting once seedlings are sturdy. Seed is slow and erratic, germinating over 10–28 days, with plants usable in around 90 days. Sow very shallow at just 1 mm, barely pressing the fine seed onto the surface, then space established plants 50 cm apart in rows 30–45 cm apart. Note that seed-grown tarragon is Russian tarragon, milder than the French kind, which is grown from cuttings. In warm Brisbane and Gold Coast gardens, spring sowing gives the plant a full season to establish before winter.
Sowing calendar — subtropical zone
Green months are your sowing window: September to October.
Growing notes
Tarragon is a perennial herb from cooler, drier climates, so the subtropics test it. The September to October window lets seedlings establish through the growing season, but this plant will always be somewhat out of its comfort zone here, and honest expectations help.
The main failure mode is root rot in humid, wet conditions. Tarragon demands sharp drainage and hates wet feet, so grow it in a raised bed or a pot of gritty mix where you can control moisture. In the Sunshine Coast and Lismore wet season, a pot you can move under cover is often the difference between a plant that survives and one that collapses.
Seed-raised tarragon is the Russian type, which is hardier but far less aromatic than French tarragon. If you want the classic aniseed flavour, source a French tarragon plant grown from cuttings instead, as it does not come true from seed. Give plants full sun to part shade, water sparingly, and cut back leggy growth to keep them bushy. Through the most humid weeks, ease off watering entirely and let the mix approach dryness between drinks. A light annual feed is plenty, since rich, wet soil is exactly what this herb resents.
Tarragon at a glance
| Sowing depth | 1 mm |
|---|---|
| Plant spacing | 50 cm |
| Row spacing | 30-45 cm |
| Germination | 10-28 days |
| Days to maturity | 90 days |
| Frost tolerance | Half Hardy |
| Method | Plant Seedlings |
Common questions
- Can you grow tarragon from seed in the subtropics?
- You can, but seed produces Russian tarragon, which is hardier yet much milder than French tarragon. Sow in September or October and expect slow, uneven germination over 10–28 days. For the classic flavour, buy a French tarragon plant grown from cuttings instead.
- Why is my tarragon dying in summer?
- Humid, wet summers cause root rot, which is tarragon's biggest enemy in the subtropics. Grow it in a free-draining pot or raised bed, water sparingly, and move potted plants under cover during heavy rain. Let the mix dry between waterings.
- Does tarragon need full sun in Brisbane?
- Full sun to part shade suits it, with some afternoon relief welcome in the hottest gardens. More important than light is sharp drainage, since tarragon tolerates dryness far better than wet feet. A gritty, raised position gives the best results.
- How far apart should I plant tarragon?
- Space established plants about 50 cm apart in rows 30–45 cm apart. The plant spreads and needs room and airflow, which also helps it dry out after subtropical rain. Crowding encourages the rot that already threatens it here.
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