Tarragon is an edible perennial herb grown for it's aromatic leaves that are used in a variety of recipes, most notably in flavoring vinegar. French tarragon is the variety generally considered best for the kitchen, but cannot be grown from seeds. Russian tarragon can be grown from seeds but is much weaker in flavor. However, Russian tarragon is a far more hardy and vigorous plant, spreading at the roots and growing over a meter tall.
Tarragon grows to 120-150 cm tall, with slender branched stems. The leaves are thin and blade-like, with a pointed tip, 2-8 cm long and 2-10 mm broad, glossy green, with an entire margin. The flowers are produced in mid summer, containing up to 40 yellow or greenish-yellow florets.
Tarragon will grow even in the poorest area of your garden. It needs full sun or partial shade and prefers dry, rocky or gravel or sandy soil. Tarragon needs a warm, dry environment day and night.
Grow Russian tarragon indoors from seed and plant out in the summer. Spreading plant can be divided easily. Start seedlings indoors well before the last frost in your area. Sow four or five seeds per pot in moist potting compost covering them with compost to exclude light. Transplant seedlings outdoors when the weather warms. Once started, these plants will grow well with little or no attention. Fertilizer always helps, but is only necessary in the poorest of soils. Mulching with organic matter in mid autumn will help them over winter if your area has particularly harsh winter weather.
French tarragon is grown from division of the roots. You can also propagate it by rooting small, vigorous cuttings in the spring. True French Tarragon cannot be grown from seeds.
Harvest and dry the leaves and flowers. Store them in a cool, dry place. Tarragon leaves can also be kept in the freezer. The best time to harvest is from mid to late summer.
Tarragon can be grown in containers for two or three years with no special care. It can also be over-wintered indoors if you have a sunny windowsill. One plant should be enough for a normal household's requirements.
