Artemisia dracunculus
Tarragon, Estragon
- Height × spread
- 1.2m × 0.3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
French tarragon makes an upright clump of thin oblong leaves, coloured mid-green. Flowers come at the end of summer, if they come at all, and they are without garden merit. The seeds too are generally sterile. Many garden suppliers sell the inferior Russian tarragon which is less sweet and has a harsher taste. So, it is well worth getting this herb from a reputable specialist herb nursery. Gastronomically, this is used fresh to enhance salads, fish, and of course chicken. The name tarragon comes from French and means 'Little Dragon' but this is associated with its use as a medicinal herb to heal stings rather than to any hotness of taste. It is also used in the preparation of an aromatherapy oil.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 1.2m
- Spread
- 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden, Herb garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
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