growing french tarragon

[woozer]

I have never had much success withthis herb but love it so must persevere. I have been given two well rooted cuttings about 6 inches long which I have just potted up - should I pinch out the central shoot to make it bushy or just leave it. Any hints or tips on how to grow this herb would be much appreciated. Many thanks

[Squitty]

There was an article about herbs in the mail sunday suplement this week which prompted me to build a raised bed for herbs with different compartments (just finished painting it). It says french tarragon is tricky to grow but needs a poor soil & lots of sun. it suggests mixing poor subsoil with sharp sand. Dont overwater but dont let dry completely. Bring inside in the winter - so beware late frosts if outside. good luck.

[coccinelle]

As with any herb, you have to try to stop it from flowering if not it'll go to seed so basically using it often will delay this. Keep the herbs in garden soil in a sunny part of the garden and water well at end of evening. If you don't use it often, cut parts off every week...
Yes, use as you want it but it must be said that being dried it does have a stronger flavour.

[woozer]

Thanks for your quick and helpful replies - I shall keep sniping at it and hoep for the best. I have decided to plant it into a large terracotta container and will move it around the garden - fingers crossed !