It is generally recommended to cut back tarragon in the fall. This helps promote new growth and helps the plant prepare for the winter months. Cutting back the plant also helps maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy or overgrown.
When cutting back tarragon in the fall, it’s important to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Start by removing any dead or damaged stems or leaves. These can be easily identified as they will be brown or wilted. Removing these parts of the plant helps prevent any diseases or pests from spreading.
Next, you can proceed to trim back the plant to a more manageable size. This can be done by cutting off about one-third of the overall plant height. By doing this, you are encouraging new growth and preventing the plant from becoming too tall and top-heavy.
After cutting back the tarragon, it’s a good idea to give the plant a light feeding. You can use a balanced organic fertilizer or compost to provide some nutrients to the soil. This will help the plant recover from the pruning and prepare for the colder months ahead.
Once you have completed the pruning and feeding, it’s important to provide some winter protection for the tarragon. This can be done by adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant. Mulch helps insulate the roots and prevents them from freezing during the winter. It also helps retain moisture in the soil.
In addition to cutting back tarragon in the fall, you may also want to consider dividing the plant if it has become too large or overcrowded. Dividing tarragon involves carefully digging up the plant and separating it into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots. This can help rejuvenate the plant and promote healthier growth in the future.
Cutting back tarragon in the fall is a beneficial practice that helps maintain the health and appearance of the plant. It encourages new growth, prevents the plant from becoming overgrown, and prepares it for the winter months. By following these steps, you can ensure that your tarragon plant thrives year after year.