French tarragon
| 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]
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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]
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Brown rust (Puccinia tanaceti)
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Downy mildew (shown on a cucumber)
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Powdery mildew (shown on a pumpkin
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Rhizoctonia solani (shown on tobacco)
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ a b c d e f g (1994). Food From Your Garden & Allotment. Reader's Digest Association Ltd, London. P. 218. ISBN 978276443367
- ↑ Tarragon. myfolia.com. Retrieved: 2010-09-05.
- ↑ French Tarragon. GardenOrganic.org.uk. Retrieved: 2010-09-05.
- ↑ Growing Tarragon. GardenAction.co.uk. Retrieved: 2010-09-05.
- ↑ a b c Hessayon, D.G. (2009). The Vegetable & Herb Expert. Transworld Publishers, London. p. 138. ISBN 9780903505468
- ↑ Growing Tarragon. Sparky Boy Enterprises. Retrieved: 2010-09-05.
