Tarragon

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Tarragon
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French tarragon
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(Unranked): Angiosperms
(Unranked): Eudicots
(Unranked): Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Anthemideae
Genus: Artemisia
Species: Artemisia dracunculus
Synonyms
Dragon herb
Dragon's-wort
Plant Data
Mature height: 60cm (2ft)
Mature spread: 30cm (1ft)
Growing plant spacing: 40cm (15in)
References: [1]

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a perennial herb in the family Asteraceae. It is native to a wide area of the Northern Hemisphere from easternmost Europe across central and eastern Asia to India, western North America, and south to northern Mexico.

French tarragon is the variety generally considered best for the kitchen, whereas Russian tarragon is weaker in flavour, but is a far more hardy and vigorous plant.

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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[2][1]

Growing[edit | edit source]

Location[edit | edit source]

Choose a well-drained site in a sunny position.[2]

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] so growing from a shop-bought cutting rather than raising from seed is more cost-effective. Only Russian tarragon can be grown from seed, French tarragon must be raised from a cutting.

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.[2]

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]

Tarragon is not troubled by many pests, but is susceptible to the following plant diseases:[3]

References[edit | edit source]

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This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).
  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. a b c Hessayon, D.G. (2009). The Vegetable & Herb Expert. Transworld Publishers, London. p. 138. ISBN 9780903505468
  3. Growing Tarragon. Sparky Boy Enterprises. Retrieved: 2010-09-05.