Tarragon Seeds

Grow tarragon for its strong, sweet, anise-like flavor used in cooking, particularly with chicken and fish, and for its aromatic qualities that can deter pests like aphids from garden plants. While French tarragon offers superior flavor, it requires careful propagation from cuttings and can be sensitive to cold, whereas Mexican tarragon is a heat-tolerant and easier-to-grow alternative in warm climates.

This perennial thrives in hot, barren soils and grows about anywhere. It is native to northwestern United States, Russia and Asia, and it is closely related to sagebrush. It is both a medicinal herb as well as a popular culinary herb. Tarragon plants can reach 60 inches in height, and they have thin, blade-like leaves that are wonderfully aromatic with a sweet anise-like flavor.

Useful gardening information

Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Press the seeds into the soil and lightly cover with soil.
Transplant the young herb plants outdoors after temperatures warm up.
Plants prefer sunshine and sharply draining soils that are sandy or rocky.
Once established, plants require little care. Keep the soil on the dry side. Harvest the leaves and flowers throughout the summer. Dry or freeze for long-term use.

Links to useful information on the web:

Tarragon herb nutrition facts

Tarragon Cooking Tips

HR224 Russian Tarragon ( Artemesia dracunculus )

Russian Tarragon is highly used in French cooking. It flavors vinegar, fish, meats, vegetables, cheese and sauces. The leaves can be used in cooking both fresh and dried. Medically, Tarragon herb is used in teas to stimulate digestion and ease intestinal distension.
A perennial plant for zones 4-9.

SF255 Winter Tarragon ( Tagetes lucida )

Also known as Spanish Tarragon.
Although not in the same genus as the other tarragons, winter tarragon has a stronger flavor than Russian tarragon that does not diminish significantly with age.
Growing to 3 or 4 feet, Tagetes lucida is handsome in the garden and may be cut for use all summer and fall. Even if left untrimmed, the leaves remain usable and fresh throughout the growing season.
Try growing winter tarragon in an herb garden, flower bed, or container. Let it be the bright spot in your herb garden, which often needs a boost by summer's end. The upright plants pair well with other fall bloomers such as pineapple sage. Plants bloom lightly in the spring, then profusely in the fall.
Hardy to at least 5 degrees, and very easy to grow.

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