How do you harvest tarragon without killing the plant?

To harvest tarragon, you should use precision techniques to ensure healthy plants for regrowth. Tarragon is very different than many other herbs, misuse will terminate your tarragon plant for good. I learned this the hard way when I harvested my first plant too much and lost it for good. If you want to keep flavorful leaves on the plant for many years, you'll be using sustainable methods.

When it comes to oil concentration, timing is important. Harvest the herbs in mid-to-late summer, preferably first thing in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the temperature rises. Essential oils are at their concentrated peak during this timeframe. I harvest most herbs between 8:00 and 10:00 am to capture the most flavor in my sauces.

Use clean, sharp shears to generate precise cuts. Ragged tears will invite disease. Cut at angles of 45 degrees, approximately 4-6 inches below the stem tips. This promotes branching. I disinfect between plants to prevent cross-contamination. I use alcohol wipes on my shears after each use.

After you have harvested, wet your plants thoroughly and apply some diluted compost tea. Avoid using any nitrogen fertilizers that promote weak new growth. As soon as the flower buds appear, pinch them off. This will assign the plant's energy to grow its leaves. My plants regrow much quicker with these practices.

Continuous harvests is the name of the game. I've been using these techniques for over five seasons on the same plants, and the tarragon comes back strong every year. The flavor gets better with care.

Read the full article: How to Grow Tarragon: A Complete Guide