Tarragon

Tarragon: variety and characteristics

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a perennial herb of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). Tarragon is a perennial plant that grows from tarragon seeds and thrives in hot, infertile soils, which makes it very drought-tolerant.

Tarragon is a tough herb and is closely related to wormwood. It is both a medicinal herb and a popular culinary herb.

Tarragon plants can reach 150 cm in height and have thin, blade-like leaves with an aniseed-like aroma.

In late summer tarragon produces white, rather drooping flowers.

Tarragon is widely used in French cuisine. It flavours vinegar, fish, meats, vegetables, cheeses and sauces.

The leaves can be used in cooking both fresh and dried.

In medicine, the tarragon herb is used in teas to stimulate digestion and relieve bloating.

Wormwood and tarragon are aromatic perennials — for seasoning, tea, liqueurs and decorative silvery borders.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 92%
• Seeds per packet: 850–1150 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: Netherlands
• Sowing: March – May; seedlings
• Flowering: June – August
• Harvest: June – September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Tarragon

Tarragon seeds are sown in March – May. The plants flower in June – August. The crop is harvested from June to September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Tarragon

• Sowing method: seedlings
• Depth: on the surface
• Spacing: 40–50 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

It is recommended to start tarragon seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Press the herb seeds into the soil and cover lightly with soil. Transplant the young herb plants outdoors once temperatures warm up. Tarragon herb plants prefer sunlight and well-drained soils that are sandy or rocky. Once established, tarragon plants need little care and are drought-tolerant. Keep the soil on the dry side. Pick tarragon leaves and flowers throughout the summer. Dry or freeze for long-term use.

The seeds are tiny and germinate in light. They tolerate drought.

Harvest and use

The leaves are picked through the season.

Frequently asked questions

When should Tarragon be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March – May. Sowing method: seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 850–1150 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 92%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.