Description
Artemisia dracunculus, also known as French tarragon, is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Central Asia and Eastern Europe, but is now widely cultivated around the world. It is prized for its long, narrow leaves that have a unique, anise-like flavor and aroma that is used in a variety of dishes, particularly in French and Mediterranean cuisine. The leaves can be used fresh or dried to flavor a wide variety of dishes such as chicken, fish, eggs, and salad dressings. French tarragon is considered the best variety for culinary use as it has a stronger and more complex flavor than Russian tarragon. The plant also produces small, greenish-yellow flowers, but they are not edible.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):French Tarragon
- Hardiness:Fully hardy
- How big will I get? Artemisia dracunculus can grow to a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m.
- Did You Know That:French Tarragon has a strong aroma, it repels some pests, and it is a good companion plant for other herbs and vegetables in the garden?
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
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Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Artemisia dracunculus prefers soil with good drainage and does not tolerate standing water. This plant can grow in soil with a wide range of pH levels, it is not picky about the pH level of the soil.
Best Position
Artemisia dracunculus prefers a sheltered position and requires full sun to thrive, this consists of more than six hours of direct sunshine per day.
Maintenance
Artemisia dracunculus will benefit from pruning in Spring. Shrubs that produce their flowers in mid to late Summer or Autumn, typically flower on new growth, so by reducing the shrub in Spring you encourage lots of new, flower producing growth.
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Artemisia dracunculus is generally pest free, and it tends not to have problems with diseases.
