how to prune mexican tarragon

You can also cook or dry whatever leaves you prune. Regardless of whether or not you have grow lights, the plant will die back in the winter and produce harvest-quality leaves in the summer. Perhaps try growing it a container indoors, where you can control its environment better. Just remove the fresh lighter green leaves. Tarragon isn't vulnerable to most pests, but to prevent diseases like mildew and rot, pick a location that has good air and water circulation. New leaves will grow back to replace them. The plants reach 30 inches in height in full sun, 18 inches in partial shade. I am finding it hard to grow tarragon, why would this be? Mexican tarragon is a good substitute for French tarragon because it can withstand the summer heat better. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. You can transplant your seedlings into your garden when they are 2- to 4-inches tall and after all danger of frost has passed. This step does not apply to Russian tarragon. While I often use a heavy vinegar soak on vegetables and non-protected fruits, I do a general rinse for herbs. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. However, if you care for it properly, tarragon provides fragrant leaves that can be harvested and preserved for cooking year-round. There is a first, small flush of flowers in the spring followed by the main, fuller flush in the fall. Lift the plant and divide it in springtime. Tarragon can be fussy if the environment isn't suitable. Instead, it is related to marigolds. Last Updated: May 29, 2019 In modern Mexican culture, it is used to treat digestive upsets, as well as flavoring for eggs and meat dishes. Do not cut off the entire stock. You can start your seeds indoors in the spring. You may also want to fertilize it again in late summer after you have harvested its leaves. Tarragon is a perennial in suitable climates, meaning that it will grow back year after year. If left to dry for too long, though, the leaves lose their flavor… Try it out to see if you enjoy it. Its long, rich history has resulted in many nicknames such as Mexican Mint Marigold, Sweet Mace, Yerba Anise and Pericon. If stored in a cool, dark cupboard, your dried tarragon should last one to three years. Learn to use Zoom in this beginner-friendly course. Weeding should not be an issue if you grow your plant indoors. By using our site, you agree to our. It is also a fickle plant that requires delicate care throughout the planting and growing process. Which is the best variety of tarragon for cooking? {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Grow-Tarragon-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Tarragon-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Grow-Tarragon-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1273152-v4-728px-Grow-Tarragon-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"