I'm also looking for real French tarragon as well.

End-of-the-Season clearance sales are how I have added many perennial plants to my gardens. You take chances on them making the winter but you can afford the gamble at a fraction of the original prices! If you are having problems finding a good source for real french tarragon locally, I might suggest mail-order from one of the reputable herb places like Richters, Horizon Herbs, or Nichols Nursery. I've ordered plants and seeds for years from all 3 and have nothing but good to say. Links included: Richters Horizon Herbs Nichols Garden Nursery FataMorgana

I do love the anisey zing of French tarragon. I just have it in my perennial garden. Perhaps it likes my zone 4 climate. It dies down to the ground over winter and then springs back stronger than ever when summer comes. I don't fertilize, I don't regularly water - it just grows. Maybe I got lucky and found a sweet spot for it.

DL, I believe your tarragon plant will survive indoors, but will end up leggy like your basil. If it gets really leggy, you can always start new cuttings from it in the Spring. Or, you could just leave the tarragon in your herb garden for the winter. I'm in zone 5 and mine has lasted over 6 years so far. Elizabeth Here is a link that might be useful: Elizabeth's Flowers