French tarragon

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Tarragon
French tarragon
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French tarragon
Scientific Classification
Genus: Artemisia
Species: Artemisia dracunculus
Subspecies: Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa
Plant Data
Mature height: 100cm (3ft)
Mature spread: 30cm (1ft)
Growing plant spacing: 40cm (15in)
References: [1][2]

French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa) is a half hardy perennial herb that is native of southern Europe. It is fairly tender - which may be one of the reasons that it is not particularly widely grown - but it is easy to grow, and well worth it for its culinary uses.[3]

French tarragon cannot be grown from seed as it reverts back to Russian tarragon.[4]

Planner[edit | edit source]

J F M A M J J A S O N D
Plant (from pot-grown)
Harvest

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[5][1]

Growing[edit | edit source]

Location[edit | edit source]

Choose a well-drained site in a sunny position.[5]

Soil[edit | edit source]

If the soil is heavy, dig in peat or well-rotted manure or compost at the rate of a bucketful to 1m² (1yd²).[1]

Planting[edit | edit source]

An average household should only require one plant[1], as French tarragon cannot be raised from seed you will need to acquire a cutting to plant.

Aftercare[edit | edit source]

Keep the plant well-watered during dry spells and pinch out any flowering stems as they appear[1] to ensure a supply of fresh leaves.[5]

Harvesting[edit | edit source]

Harvest leaves as required from June.[1]

Long-term care[edit | edit source]

Tarragon will keep growing for years once established, however it is advisable to divide and replant old stock every two or three years.[1] Dig up the plant in spring divide by hand (do not cut the underground runners). Replant 5-8cm (2-3in) deep and 40cm (15in) apart.

Preserving[edit | edit source]

Cut fresh tarragon and pack into ice cube trays and store in a freezer. Use cubes as required for a year-round supply.

Troubles[edit | edit source]

Main article: Tarragon#Troubles

Tarragon is not troubled by many pests, but is susceptible to the following plant diseases:[6]

References[edit | edit source]

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  1. a b c d e f g (1994). Food From Your Garden & Allotment. Reader's Digest Association Ltd, London. P. 218. ISBN 978276443367
  2. Tarragon. myfolia.com. Retrieved: 2010-09-05.
  3. French Tarragon. GardenOrganic.org.uk. Retrieved: 2010-09-05.
  4. Growing Tarragon. GardenAction.co.uk. Retrieved: 2010-09-05.
  5. a b c Hessayon, D.G. (2009). The Vegetable & Herb Expert. Transworld Publishers, London. p. 138. ISBN 9780903505468
  6. Growing Tarragon. Sparky Boy Enterprises. Retrieved: 2010-09-05.