Tarragon should be watered every 3 days. This is the only way to guarantee that the leaves of this tasty, perennial herb stay fresh and fragrant. Immature tarragon plants can be watered every other day, but only until they become established. Good drainage is important, but it is best to keep the soil moist on a regular basis. When the top half-inch (1 cm) of soil is dry, your tarragon needs water. Tarragon typically does well when given 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week.
How Much Water Does Tarragon Need Per Day?
It is best to water tarragon every 3 days as opposed to daily. Give this herb half an inch (1 cm) of water every 3 days. This will keep the soil moist without flooding the soil and causing root rot.
- It’s best to water tarragon every 2–3 days instead of daily.
- When you water your tarragon, give it 0.5 inches (1 cm) of water.
- Watering deeper every few days keeps more moisture in the ground than light daily watering.
Watering to a deeper depth every few days keeps more moisture in the ground than just a light sprinkling every day. Dry soil will compromise the integrity of the plant, and it doesn’t take very long for this to happen. However, daily water is definitely a good idea if you are experiencing drought conditions or a particularly hot, dry summer.
How Do You Water Tarragon?
When possible, use drip irrigation or micro-sprinklers to water your tarragon, as opposed to a garden hose. Tarragon has delicate leaves, but they do need some moisture, so micro-sprinklers or drip irrigation are perfect options.
- Water tarragon with a micro-sprinkler or drip irrigation if possible.
- If you’re using a garden hose, use a light setting and water from the top.
- Saturate the soil to a depth of 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm).
If you do have to water your tarragon with a garden hose, use a light setting and water the plants from the top. Just make sure that enough moisture reaches the soil to saturate it to a depth of 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm).
Does Tarragon Like Wet or Dry Soil?
Tarragon is drought-resistant and will do well for quite some time in dry soil, but it thrives best in moist soil. Soil that is too dry can affect its flavor and the growth of the leaves. Tarragon has shallow roots, so it is important to keep a precise balance between wet and dry soil.
- Tarragon prefers moist soil but is somewhat drought resistant.
- Both soil that is too moist or too dry can kill tarragon plants.
- Watering tarragon every three days is the best way to achieve the perfect balance.
Saturated soil will quickly kill tarragon, but dry soil will eventually do the same, since the roots will be unable to nourish themselves due to lack of moisture. Keeping the soil lightly moist at all times is the best course of action, so it is wise to water your tarragon every three days to keep the top few inches of soil moist.
Can You Overwater Tarragon?
Although tarragon likes moist soil, it is definitely possible to overwater this herb. You should never allow the soil to become saturated, as this will quickly lead to root rot and the death of the plant.
- Tarragon can be overwatered.
- Wilting tarragon is a sign of too much water.
- Tarragon may die quickly in soggy soil.
- Take rainfall into consideration to avoid overwatering.
In many cases, the plant itself will wilt and die before you see gray mold or powdery mildew. Make sure you adhere to a schedule of 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Additionally, take rainfall into consideration. If it has rained recently, outdoor tarragon may need very little watering or no extra water at all.
How Do You Know If Tarragon Needs Water?
Checking the soil for dryness is the best way to determine if tarragon needs water. If the soil is dry even to a depth of half an inch (1 cm), it’s time to water your tarragon. It’s important to keep in mind that wilting is typically a sign of overwatering, even though you may be tempted to think the opposite.
- Check the soil for dryness to discover if your tarragon is thirsty.
- Poke your finger into the soil. If it feels dry at a depth of 0.5 inches (1 cm), your tarragon needs water.
- Yellow spots on tarragon stems also indicate the need for water.
Yellow spots on your tarragon’s stem indicate the need for more water. In some cases, yellow spots indicate overwatering, but this is very rare. When in doubt, simply feel the soil, using the half-inch rule.
Does Tarragon Require Lots of Water?
Tarragon grows best when watered lightly and frequently. The best way to water tarragon is:
- Provide a total of 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week.
- Water tarragon once every 3 days.
- Moisten the soil to a depth of 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) when you water your tarragon.
- When the top half-inch (1 cm) of soil is dry to the touch, your tarragon needs water.
- Overwatered tarragon is prone to wilting.
- Yellow spots or dry soil mean your tarragon is suffering from a lack of water.
This fresh herb can easily be grown in most gardens. Tarragon is a low-maintenance plant that flourishes in a variety of sunlight conditions. With the appropriate watering schedule, you’ll have plenty of tarragon to harvest for cooking.
