Tarragon

Name Origin:

It's name means dragon and it was once thought to be an effective treatment against that creature's bites. More on the History of Tarragon.
 

Natural Order:

Compositæ
 

Growing Cycle:

Hardy, Shrubby Perennial
 

Origins:

Believed to be a native of southern Russia, Siberia and Tartary and has been cultivated for only about 600 years.
 

 

Height:

3 - 6 feet tall
 

Characteristics:

Numerous branching stems with lance-shaped leaves that are highly aromatic.
 

Tarragon Flowers:

White, somewhat greenish, globular and sterile.
 

Tarragon Advice:

The seed often offered as tarragon is usually that of a related plant that while similar in appearance does not have the desireable flavor of real tarragon. Tagetes lucida may be used as a tarragon substitute and is easily propagated by seeds but does have a weaker flavor.
 

Tarragon plants prefer dry, rather poor soil in a warm location. In cold climates both the plant and surrounding soil should be protected from multiple freezing and thawing cycles. For the best results, plants should be replaced every four years.

Tarragon Cultivation.

Tarragon is only propagated by cuttings, layers and divisions. Plant in loose soil.
 
Maintain spacing of 18-24 inches apart once the plants grow to 15-18 inches tall.
 

Harvesting Tarragon.

For dried tarragon, gather leaves in midsummer. A second cutting may be made in late September or early October.