I planted two French Tarragon last year. One is still alive and happy. It is evidently not killed by 16F weather. I planted it in silty soil that is not too rich and have been generally ignoring it. Roses are planted nearby, and it gets moisture when I water them.

Steve,
I've been wondering how to plant my two new F. Tarragon. For the time being I've placed them against the north side of a east west block wall. Almost no sun as it's shaded by a tangerine tree. Wondering if sunlight is *nice* to have or an absolute necessity. If it's a necessity I guess I should look for early morning summer sun, mid-day afternoon shade. My soil is amended clay.

Susie,
I truly don't know the answer. My success with it has been 100% due to dumb luck.

My guess is that French Tarragon likes somewhat sandy or silty soil, not too rich in humus - as do thyme, rosemary, and artemisia. I understand that it is not happy in heavy clay. And one source recommends that if you garden on dense clay you grow it in a container. From what other people say it sounds like giving it some shade in Phoenix is an excellent idea. I could imagine, though, that it might really like a few hours of morning or late afternoon sun. Here in Prescott mine grows happily in full sun. When I grew it in NJ it seemed to do well in poor, dry, silty soil in direct sunlight. But it died quickly when I tried to move it.

http://www.bonnieplants.com/Le...

Thanks Steve,
I'm going to try the same conditions I successfully grow several lavenders. Not too much organic, good drainage (sand and rocks) and filtered sunlight. I'm good to go. I'll check back.