Tarragon
There are two different types of tarragon: French and Russian. French tarragon (A. dracunculus 'Sativa') has a more superior and subtler flavour to the coarser Russian form and is the preferred type for culinary use.
Family: Asteraceae
Botanical Name: Artemisia dracunculus
Common Names: Tarragon, biting dragon, dragon plant.
Foliage: Deciduous, narrow pointed, aromatic olive-green leaves.
Flowers: Tiny, greenish-white nodding flowers.
Flowering Period: Summer.
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil (sand or loam). Acid, alkaline or neutral pH.
Conditions: Full sun. Plant in a west or south facing aspect, in a sheltered position.
Habit: Straggly, upright.
Type: Shrubby perennial.
Origin: Europe.
Hardiness: Hardy in the UK.
Planting and Growing Tarragon
Best in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Dislikes heavy, poorly drained soils.
Taking Care of Tarragon
To encourage the best leaf development, pinch out the flowering stems as soon as they appear.
Protect the plants from severe frost.
Lift and divide established plants every three or four years in spring.
Pruning Tarragon
Cut the old growth back as new shoots appear from the base in spring.
Pests and Diseases
Generally trouble free.
Propagating Tarragon
French tarragon is a cultivar that is best propagated by soft tip cuttings or by division of the rootstock. Russian tarragon grows easily from seed which can be direct-sown in early spring.
Culinary Uses
French tarragon has a warm rich flavour so only small amounts are needed. It is a good accompaniment for fish, meat and vegetable dishes and is used in soups and sauces as well as tarragon vinegar. Russian Tarragon is mainly used for flavouring oils, vinegars, pickles and mustards.
Harvesting Tarragon: Fresh leaves can be picked throughout the summer and can be used fresh or dried. The fresh young leaves can also be frozen.
Drying Tarragon: To dry, spread out the shoots and leaves on trays in full sun, allowing it to dry as quickly as possible.
Popular Varieties of Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus (Russian Tarragon) is a vigorous bushy perennial with lance shaped, mid-green leaves and insignificant, yellow-white flowers in summer. Usually sold as packet seed. For sale at Suttons.
Artemisia dracunculus 'Sativa' (French Tarragon) is an upright perennial with thin lance-shaped, highly aromatic green leaves and small, nodding, pale yellow summer flowers. Best grown from cuttings or purchased as pot plants. Note: Check plant labels carefully when buying as both forms look very similar.