I hope someone has an answer, because I am in the same boat!

I can't answer your question. I'm not a great gardener. I just have questions.

My tarragon came from a nursery, in the herb department, as a small plant which went right in the ground. Maybe a foot tall, IIRC. It grows very well in Southern California (no temperatures below 45° F). In fact, it has to be cut back regularly. It tries to run, but isn't actually invasive.

It also has good flavor, IMO. I wouldn't call it "lame", but I don't know if it's the Mexican, or French. I've never heard of faux, Mexican or Russian before. I can't figure out from the descriptions what I have. Do you known how to tell?

I was looking up on Google and I accidentally found this place. They're more B2B, though and I think the minimum is 35. https://ncfarmsinc.com/rooted-plugs/Herb-French-Tarragon They might sell you a single one anyway, to be nice. The shipping price is the issue. If it can go Priority Mail, it should be under $20, and if it can fit in the little video tape sized box, it should be well under $10.

There's also this place, which I also know nothing about, but looks promising: https://thegrowers-exchange.com/collections/culinary-herb-plants/products/her-tg01

Check that any place is still operating. Many haven't changed their websites.

True tarragon never sets seeds. It is always propagated by cuttings. Look for a good herb nursery and check them out on garden watchdog.

Both on-line places I've used are out-of-stock. Another one was I think 8$ and free shipping but not personally familiar with them.

We have had a mild winter so mine will likely return like my rosemary. Most years I just pick up a tarragon and a rosemary plant from a local nursery.

Yes, true tarragon has so few flowers so very few seed. Very low germination but mostly sterile seed.

Wow, a gardening friend clued me in — Monticello has it in their heirloom plans and seeds dept. They propagate it in the house gardens. $10 per start. No, you cannot grow true French tarragon from seeds, only root cuttings. They also have some awesome old tomato seeds. They are very near me, so yay. Off to order.

Wow. Grower’s Exchange looks promising, too . . . And also near me. I think I will try them.

MizLizzie, great that you've found a couple of options near you!

Thanks to Sleevendog for the no flowers explanation. I've never seen a flower on my tarragon, and the pictures of Mexican and Russian show flowers. :) I guess I have French. :)