Tarragon – Russian

Artemisia dracunculoides
Perennial
Russian Tarragon is a robust hardy perennial herb that is very vigorous. The flavor of Russian Tarragon may not be as pronounced as it’s french counter part but it is a much more hardy plant that grows an abundance of leaves and prefers poor soils and cheerfully tolerates drought and neglect. It is great for a milder flavor. Plant produces lovely highly aramatic sweet light green leaves and tiny yellow-white flowers. Spicy sweet licorice-anise flavor and aroma that brings a refreshing flavor without being overpowering. Tarragon is wonderful raw or cooked and is a good flavoring in pickles, vinegars, French cuisine where it is usually paired with chives, American cuisine, herb mixtures, cheese, eggs, poultry, fish, tomato juice. Adds flavor to potatoes, mustard, buttermilk, mayo. Good in salads, Excellent at adding flavor to sauces, bearnaise, tartare, and hollandaise sauces. Tarragon vinegar makes an excellent salad dressing. Can transform dressings, sauces, and dips. Once started these plants will grow well with very little care. 7-10 weeks from sowing to harvest. Medicinally it has been used to treat headaches. Perfect for the garden and container growing.
Sowing: Plant 1/2 of an inch deep, keep moist but not drenched. Plant 2-3 weeks before your average date of last frost. Transplant out or direct sow after danger of frost has passed.
Spacing: 1 1/2-2 feet apart Height: 2- 5 feet Germination: 7-10 days
Days to maturity: 70 days Soil: Well drained; warm dry, prefers dry rocky gravel or sandy soil Moisture: Dry to Average Light: Full sun to partial shade
Care information: Regular use and harvest of plants early in the season develop a nice compact growing habit. Harvest regularly. Can freeze or dry them. When drying take care to place in an air tight container as soon as dried to prevent flavor loss. Divide every 2-4 years in the spring or fall. In winter cut plants down to the ground to cause fresh growth. In cold climates mulching in the winter helps protect plant.