Perennial Herb Varieties. Annual Herb Varieties.

I grow tarragon in my garden for its unique beauty, flavor and versatility in cooking. Its anise-like taste adds a distinctive touch to dishes, especially in French cuisine. Tarragon enhances sauces, dressings, and marinades with its aromatic quality, making it a favorite for elevating everyday meals. Beyond its culinary benefits, tarragon is also a hardy herb that thrives in my garden’s conditions, adding lush greenery and texture. Its ease of cultivation and resilience make it a practical choice for my garden, while its flavor profile enriches my cooking repertoire, adding depth and a touch of sophistication to my meals.

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a perennial herb native to Eurasia and North America, belonging to the Asteraceae family. Historically, it was used in ancient Greece and Rome for its medicinal properties, including aiding digestion and reducing inflammation. The name “tarragon” comes from the Latin dracunculus, meaning “little dragon,” due to its root’s serpentine shape. Tarragon contains essential oils, such as estragole and eucalyptol, which contribute to its distinctive flavor and potential health benefits. It has been utilized in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and digestive properties. In culinary applications, tarragon is valued for its unique, sweet, anise-like flavor, particularly in French cuisine.

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a versatile herb with various uses across culinary, medicinal, and household applications:

Culinary Uses

• Flavoring: Tarragon’s distinct anise-like flavor enhances dishes, particularly in French cuisine. It’s used in sauces (e.g., Béarnaise), dressings, and marinades.
• Herb Mixes: It’s a key ingredient in herb blends like fines herbes, used to season vegetables, meats, and poultry.
• Pickling: Tarragon is added to pickles and vinegar for a unique flavor twist.

Medicinal Uses

• Digestive Aid: Traditionally, tarragon has been used to alleviate digestive issues, such as indigestion and bloating.
• Anti-inflammatory: Its essential oils are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in the reduction of joint pain.
• Antimicrobial: Tarragon’s compounds may have antimicrobial effects, helping to combat bacterial infections.

Household Uses

• Insect Repellent: Tarragon can be used to repel pests like ants and moths. Its strong aroma deters insects.
• Air Freshener: The herb’s pleasant scent makes it a natural air freshener when used in sachets or essential oil diffusers.
• Gardening: Tarragon can be planted in gardens to attract beneficial insects and deter harmful pests.

Each of these uses showcases the herb’s versatility and practical benefits beyond its culinary applications.

Growing Tarragon

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a hardy herb that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Here’s a guide to growing tarragon:

1. Zone Information: Tarragon is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7. In colder zones, it can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.
2. Soil: Preferably grow tarragon in loamy, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
3. Sunlight: Plant in a location that receives full sun, with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
4. Spacing: Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for their spread.
5. Watering: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering.
6. Propagation: Tarragon can be propagated by root division or by planting seeds. Note that French tarragon, which is commonly used in cooking, does not produce seeds and must be propagated through cuttings or divisions.
7. Maintenance: Regularly trim the plant to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming leggy. In fall, cut back the plant to the ground to prepare it for winter.

Tarragon Varieties

Tarragon comes in several varieties, each with distinct characteristics and uses:

1. French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa)
   • Uses: Known for its delicate, anise-like flavor, French tarragon is highly prized in culinary applications, especially in French cuisine. It’s ideal for sauces, dressings, and marinades.
   • Suitability for Northern Gardens: French tarragon is not very hardy in cold climates. It is best grown as an annual in Zones 3-7 or overwintered indoors in colder regions.
2. Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
   • Uses: This variety has a stronger, more bitter flavor compared to French tarragon. It’s often used in less delicate dishes or as a seasoning in cooked recipes.
   • Suitability for Northern Gardens: Russian tarragon is more cold-hardy than French tarragon and can tolerate colder climates. It is better suited for northern gardens and can often survive winter outdoors in Zones 3-7.
3. Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida)
   • Uses: With a flavor profile similar to French tarragon but with a more pronounced citrus note, Mexican tarragon is used in Mexican cuisine, particularly in salsas and sauces.
   • Suitability for Northern Gardens: Mexican tarragon is less cold-hardy than Russian tarragon and prefers warmer climates. It is generally grown as an annual in northern gardens or brought indoors during the colder months.

For northern gardens, Russian tarragon is the best option for overwintering outdoors, while French and Mexican tarragon may need special care or indoor protection.

Propagation of Tarragon

1. Division

• When to Divide: In early spring or late fall, when the plant is dormant or just starting to grow.
• How to Divide: Gently dig up the tarragon plant and separate the roots into smaller sections, each with a few shoots. Replant these divisions in well-drained soil at the same depth they were originally growing.

2. Cuttings

• When to Take Cuttings: In late spring to early summer.
• How to Take Cuttings: Cut 4-6 inch lengths of healthy, non-flowering stems. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone if desired. Plant the cuttings in a pot with moist, well-drained soil and cover with a plastic bag or a mini greenhouse to maintain humidity. After roots form, transplant the new plants to their final location.

3. Seeds

• Seed Collection: French tarragon does not produce viable seeds, so propagation by seed is not an option for this variety. For Russian tarragon, which can produce seeds, allow the flower heads to mature and dry on the plant. Harvest the seeds once they are dry and store them in a cool, dry place.

Seed Sowing

• When to Sow: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
• How to Sow: Sow seeds in seed-starting mix or directly in the garden, lightly covering them with soil. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C) for germination. Seeds typically germinate in 2-3 weeks.

By using these propagation methods, you can successfully grow tarragon from divisions, cuttings, or seeds, depending on the variety and your gardening conditions.

Buying Tarragon Online

To find tarragon online, explore Plants and Seeds links under my Garden Resources and References. Prioritize sellers with good tarragon seed and plant stock, verify plant size for your space and variety features, and consider customer reviews for varieties to ensure yourself a reliable and satisfying shopping experience.

Cooking With Tarragon