(Artemisia dracunculus 'Russian')
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Russian Tarragon is a perennial herb that is native to Eurasia but can be commonly found growing in the western United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-4' and features erect stems, 3-4” narrow, aromatic, lance-shaped, pale to medium green leaves, and tiny, greenish-white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, is resistant to deer and rabbits, the leaves are used to repel insects, makes detergents and essential oils, and is both edible and medicinal!
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Artemisia
Species: dracunculus
Variety: Russian Tarragon
Native to: Afghanistan, Alberta, Altay, Amur, Arizona, Baltic States, Belarus, Borneo, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Central European Rus, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Chita, Colorado, East European Russia, East Himalaya, Gulf States, Hainan, Idaho, Illinois, India, Inner Mongolia, Iowa, Iran, Iraq, Irkutsk, Japan, Jawa, Kansas, Kazakhstan, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Krym, Kuwait, Lebanon-Syria, Magadan, Malaya, Manchuria, Manitoba, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Minnesota, Missouri, Mongolia, Montana, Myanmar, Nebraska, Nepal, Netherlands, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Caucasus, North Dakota, North European Russi, Northwest European R, Northwest Territorie, Oklahoma, Oman, Ontario, Oregon, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Portugal, Primorye, Qinghai, Saskatchewan, Saudi Arabia, South Dakota, South European Russi, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tadzhikistan, Taiwan, Texas, Tibet, Transcaucasus, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuva, Ukraine, Utah, Uzbekistan, Vermont, Vietnam, Washington, West Himalaya, West Siberia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Xinjiang, Yakutskiya, Yemen, Yukon.
Introduced into: Alaska, Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Mauritius, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sardegna, Switzerland, Yugoslavia.
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Annual/Tender Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): July to August
Growing Habit: Bush
Hardiness: Hardy. Russian Tarragon is hardier than French Tarragon.
Crops: Spring Transplant
Growing Season: Short, Long
Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot. Tarragon is a pretty independent plant and doesn't need much attention.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 50°F - 85°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 50°F. Plant when the soil is at least 50˚F.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: No
Light: Full Sun. Min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool, Warm).
Water: Medium. Tarragon is an undemanding plant that requires little beyond an occasional watering.
Soil Moisture: Dry to medium. Well Drained.
Feeder: Moderate. Plant tarragon in moderately rich soil.
Suitability: Drought tolerant, Tolerates light frost, Tolerates hard frost, High heat
Small Gardens?: Yes
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Containers?: Yes. Tarragon is perfectly suited for container growing, as long as the roots have at least 6" of growing space. Make sure to choose a container that drains well and fill with regular potting soil. Water when the soil becomes dry. Place in full sun. Trim regularly, and transfer to a larger pot before the roots become root-bound.
Plant Height: 36-48"
Spacing: 24-30"
Sow Depth: On soil surface
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Produces: erect stems, 3-4” narrow, aromatic, lance-shaped, pale to medium green leaves, and tiny, greenish-white flowers.
Garden Uses: Wild tarragon is an aromatic herb that is primarily grown in herb gardens. It also may be effectively grown in containers or window boxes. It is generally not considered suitable for borders or other ornamental plantings.
Genus: Artemisia
Species: dracunculus
Variety: Russian Tarragon
Native to: Afghanistan, Alberta, Altay, Amur, Arizona, Baltic States, Belarus, Borneo, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Central European Rus, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Chita, Colorado, East European Russia, East Himalaya, Gulf States, Hainan, Idaho, Illinois, India, Inner Mongolia, Iowa, Iran, Iraq, Irkutsk, Japan, Jawa, Kansas, Kazakhstan, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Krym, Kuwait, Lebanon-Syria, Magadan, Malaya, Manchuria, Manitoba, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Minnesota, Missouri, Mongolia, Montana, Myanmar, Nebraska, Nepal, Netherlands, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Caucasus, North Dakota, North European Russi, Northwest European R, Northwest Territorie, Oklahoma, Oman, Ontario, Oregon, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Portugal, Primorye, Qinghai, Saskatchewan, Saudi Arabia, South Dakota, South European Russi, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tadzhikistan, Taiwan, Texas, Tibet, Transcaucasus, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuva, Ukraine, Utah, Uzbekistan, Vermont, Vietnam, Washington, West Himalaya, West Siberia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Xinjiang, Yakutskiya, Yemen, Yukon.
Introduced into: Alaska, Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Mauritius, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sardegna, Switzerland, Yugoslavia.
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Annual/Tender Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): July to August
Growing Habit: Bush
Hardiness: Hardy. Russian Tarragon is hardier than French Tarragon.
Crops: Spring Transplant
Growing Season: Short, Long
Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot. Tarragon is a pretty independent plant and doesn't need much attention.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 50°F - 85°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 50°F. Plant when the soil is at least 50˚F.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: No
Light: Full Sun. Min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool, Warm).
Water: Medium. Tarragon is an undemanding plant that requires little beyond an occasional watering.
Soil Moisture: Dry to medium. Well Drained.
Feeder: Moderate. Plant tarragon in moderately rich soil.
Suitability: Drought tolerant, Tolerates light frost, Tolerates hard frost, High heat
Small Gardens?: Yes
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Containers?: Yes. Tarragon is perfectly suited for container growing, as long as the roots have at least 6" of growing space. Make sure to choose a container that drains well and fill with regular potting soil. Water when the soil becomes dry. Place in full sun. Trim regularly, and transfer to a larger pot before the roots become root-bound.
Plant Height: 36-48"
Spacing: 24-30"
Sow Depth: On soil surface
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Produces: erect stems, 3-4” narrow, aromatic, lance-shaped, pale to medium green leaves, and tiny, greenish-white flowers.
Garden Uses: Wild tarragon is an aromatic herb that is primarily grown in herb gardens. It also may be effectively grown in containers or window boxes. It is generally not considered suitable for borders or other ornamental plantings.
Soil Preference:
Soil pH: 4.9-7.8, Ideal 6.5-7.0. Tarragon likes deep, well-drained, and fairly fertile soil.
Soil Preparation:
Compost (Nitrogen), 2 cups per plant, 1 time: Incorporate 2 cups of compost into the planting hole
Soil pH: 4.9-7.8, Ideal 6.5-7.0. Tarragon likes deep, well-drained, and fairly fertile soil.
Soil Preparation:
Compost (Nitrogen), 2 cups per plant, 1 time: Incorporate 2 cups of compost into the planting hole
Start the seed indoors about a month before the last frost, thinly sowing on the surface of a flat; keep the temperature at 65-70 degrees F and away from direct sunlight until germination. When there is no chance of frost, transplant the seedlings 24-30" apart. Tarragon grows best in dry or well drained soil and full sun or light shade. Direct sowing is possible but somewhat difficult because of the extremely tiny seed. This herb attracts butterflies and bees, as well as repelling harmful insects and deer. Tarragon can be also grown from cuttings or root division, though growing it in a container is not recommended because of the size and sprawling growth habit of the plant.
Tarragon develops its full flavor when left to itself in dry soil and abundant sunlight. Mature plants tolerate drought very well, and should not be watered unless drought conditions persist. Overwatering can lead to root rot as well as other fungal diseases. For healthy growth, keep the plant trimmed.
Harvest fresh leaves as soon as the plant reaches a height of 6". The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried. Entire stems or the whole plant can also be cut slightly above ground level, since this will encourage new growth. To dry entire stems, cut them off and bundle them; hang them upside down in a dry, dark place for about 2 weeks. Strip the leaves from the stems and store them in a cool, dry place.
Tarragon is best used fresh. The leaves don’t dry very well, but can be frozen to preserve their fresh taste. Pick leaves and put in ice cube tray and cover with water.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
The small green flowers should appear sometime in the fall, though the plant may not have time to produce seed if the growing season is too short. Harvest them individually as they begin to develop mature seed, which will look almost like black dust. Carefully gather the heads and spread them out to dry away from direct sunlight, then shake them lightly to remove the seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
Culinary
Taste:
Sweet, anise flavor.
Culinary Use:
Use in soups, vegetables, mild cheeses, fish, and to flavor vinegar.
Leaves: raw or used as a flavoring in soups etc. Tarragon is a commonly used herbal flavoring that is used in many traditional recipes. It is particularly of value because of its beneficial effect upon the digestion and so is often used with oily foods. The leaves can also be harvested in late summer and dried for later use. The aromatic leaves have a very nice flavor that is somewhat licorice-like. They make an excellent flavoring in salads. The young shoots can also be cooked and used as a potherb. The leaves are used as a flavoring in vinegar. An essential oil from the leaves is used as a flavoring.
Sweet, anise flavor.
Culinary Use:
Use in soups, vegetables, mild cheeses, fish, and to flavor vinegar.
Leaves: raw or used as a flavoring in soups etc. Tarragon is a commonly used herbal flavoring that is used in many traditional recipes. It is particularly of value because of its beneficial effect upon the digestion and so is often used with oily foods. The leaves can also be harvested in late summer and dried for later use. The aromatic leaves have a very nice flavor that is somewhat licorice-like. They make an excellent flavoring in salads. The young shoots can also be cooked and used as a potherb. The leaves are used as a flavoring in vinegar. An essential oil from the leaves is used as a flavoring.
Medicinal
Tarragon is a bitter warming aromatic herb that stimulates the digestive system and uterus, lowers fevers and destroys intestinal worms. It is little used in modern herbalism, though it is sometimes employed as an appetizer. The leaves (and an essential oil obtained from them) are antiscorbutic, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypnotic and stomachic. An infusion is used in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, nausea, hiccups etc. The plant is mildly sedative and has been taken to aid sleep. It also has mild emmenagogue properties and can be used to induce a delayed period. A poultice can be used to relieve rheumatism, gout, arthritis and toothache. The plant is harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use. This herb should not be prescribed for pregnant women. The root has been used to cure toothache. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to treat digestive and menstrual problems.
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Other Uses
The leaves contain about 0.3% essential oil, about 70% of which is methyl chivacol. This is used as a food flavoring, in detergents and also medicinally. Both the growing and the dried plant repels insects.
Companion Planting
Allies: Tarragon is one of the aromatic herbs recommended by companion gardeners to improve growth and flavor of neighboring vegetables.
Companions: Place a tarragon plant at the corners of raised beds, grow it in the herb garden, or interplant it among plots of eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, and other vegetables. Tarragon also adapts well to life in a container, either outside or on a sunny windowsill.
Enemies: None known. Tarragon is a member of the same genus as wormwood, but it appears to lack the toxic qualities of that herb.
Companions: Place a tarragon plant at the corners of raised beds, grow it in the herb garden, or interplant it among plots of eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, and other vegetables. Tarragon also adapts well to life in a container, either outside or on a sunny windowsill.
Enemies: None known. Tarragon is a member of the same genus as wormwood, but it appears to lack the toxic qualities of that herb.
Problems
Susceptible to root rot in moist soils, particularly poorly drained ones. French tarragon does not always survive winters, and wet soils in winter is a common cause of plant demise.
Anti-rheumatic: There are two main causes behind rheumatism and arthritis. The first is improper circulation of blood and lymph, especially in the limbs, and the second is the accumulation of toxins, such as uric acid, in body. Therefore, it is obvious what the cure would be. It should primarily be a circulatory, that is, it should increase or facilitate circulation. Secondly, it should be a detoxifier, meaning that it should help remove toxins from the body.
Tarragon Essential Oil helps with the first solution. It has good circulatory properties and increases circulation, which brings warmth to the affected parts of the body and it does not let uric acid accumulate in any one place. It also helps detoxification by stimulating urination and excretion, which both help to remove toxins.
Aperitif: This essential oil stimulates the secretion of digestive juices into the stomach, which increases appetite. This starts right from the mouth, where the production of saliva is stimulated. Down below, gastric juices and bile are secreted into the stomach, which speeds up digestion of the food that is already present, if any, in the stomach. This helps to empty the stomach, which then increases appetite.
Circulatory: The Essential Oil of Tarragon improves the circulation of blood and lymph and helps in the proper distribution of nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and enzymes throughout the body. Furthermore, it does not let toxins accumulate at particular places, such as the joints.
Digestive: This oil speeds up digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices (gastric juices such as acids and bile) into the stomach, which helps break down food into various nutrients and stimulates peristaltic motion in the intestines. This facilitates the motion of food through the whole digestive system.
Deodorant: The spicy smell of tarragon is used to keep body odour away. It also inhibits the growth of microbes on the skin, which further reduces body odour.
Emenagogue: This essential oil eases menstruation, clears obstructions in menses, and regulates periods. Furthermore, it also gives relief from the problems like abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and annoyance.
Stimulant: It stimulates the brain, nervous, digestive, circulatory, and endocrinal systems. This means that it stimulates the whole metabolic system and as a result, growth and immunity are stimulated.
Vermifuge: The toxicity of this oil kills any worms in the body. These include roundworms and tapeworms that are found in the intestines, hookworms that can live in any part of the body, and even maggots on wounds. It is alright to use this essential oil externally, but extreme care should be taken when taking it orally, since it is a toxic substance.
Other Benefits: It increases the appetite and treats anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, gas, and infections in the urinary system.
A Few Words of Caution: This oil is poisonous due to the presence of estragole, which is another name for methyl chavicol. Hence, it should not be given to young children and pregnant women.
Blending: This essential oil blends well with carrot seed, lavender, lime, and rosewood.
Tarragon Essential Oil helps with the first solution. It has good circulatory properties and increases circulation, which brings warmth to the affected parts of the body and it does not let uric acid accumulate in any one place. It also helps detoxification by stimulating urination and excretion, which both help to remove toxins.
Aperitif: This essential oil stimulates the secretion of digestive juices into the stomach, which increases appetite. This starts right from the mouth, where the production of saliva is stimulated. Down below, gastric juices and bile are secreted into the stomach, which speeds up digestion of the food that is already present, if any, in the stomach. This helps to empty the stomach, which then increases appetite.
Circulatory: The Essential Oil of Tarragon improves the circulation of blood and lymph and helps in the proper distribution of nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and enzymes throughout the body. Furthermore, it does not let toxins accumulate at particular places, such as the joints.
Digestive: This oil speeds up digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices (gastric juices such as acids and bile) into the stomach, which helps break down food into various nutrients and stimulates peristaltic motion in the intestines. This facilitates the motion of food through the whole digestive system.
Deodorant: The spicy smell of tarragon is used to keep body odour away. It also inhibits the growth of microbes on the skin, which further reduces body odour.
Emenagogue: This essential oil eases menstruation, clears obstructions in menses, and regulates periods. Furthermore, it also gives relief from the problems like abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and annoyance.
Stimulant: It stimulates the brain, nervous, digestive, circulatory, and endocrinal systems. This means that it stimulates the whole metabolic system and as a result, growth and immunity are stimulated.
Vermifuge: The toxicity of this oil kills any worms in the body. These include roundworms and tapeworms that are found in the intestines, hookworms that can live in any part of the body, and even maggots on wounds. It is alright to use this essential oil externally, but extreme care should be taken when taking it orally, since it is a toxic substance.
Other Benefits: It increases the appetite and treats anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, gas, and infections in the urinary system.
A Few Words of Caution: This oil is poisonous due to the presence of estragole, which is another name for methyl chavicol. Hence, it should not be given to young children and pregnant women.
Blending: This essential oil blends well with carrot seed, lavender, lime, and rosewood.
Suggested Varieties
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Black Beauty Eggplant is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to south eastern Asia, but was introduced into the United States by Burpee Seed Company in 1902. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-36” and features 8” pear shaped, dark purple eggplant. This plant can be grown in a container, is rabbit safe, tolerates drought, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Solanum Melongena 'Golden Egg')
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(Solanum melongena 'Long Purple')
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Long Purple Eggplant is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to south eastern Asia, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-36” and features 9” cylindrical, smooth, dark purple eggplants. This plant can be grown in a container, is rabbit safe, tolerates drought, and is both edible and medicinal!
Tomato: Amana Orange (Heirloom) (Lycopersicon lycopersicum)
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The Amana Orange tomato is an Iowa heirloom obtained from Gary Staley of Brandon, Florida, who named it for the Amana Colonies of Amana, Iowa. The Amana Colonies, a National Historic Landmark since 1965, were completely self sufficient German Pietist communities. The Colonies imported with them their traditions and handcrafts from Germany, including heirloom vegetables such as Amana Orange.
Tomato: Beefsteak (Heirloom) (Lycopersicon lycopersicum)
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Seed expert Peter Henderson introduced this tomato in 1894, naming it "Henderson's Crimson Cushion." Later renamed Beefsteak, it became a favorite of gardeners in the Northeast. It was developed for resistance to fusarium wilt and nematodes, as well as meaty flesh for eating fresh or cooking.
Tomato: Green Zebra (Heirloom) (Lycopersicon lycopersicum)
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Seed expert Tom Wagner of Everett, Washington bred Green Zebra from several green tomato varieties, including Evergreen. Since he was young, Tom had been fascinated with green tomatoes, but was disappointed with their tendency to crack. He set out to create a new green tomato, and Green Zebra was the result; he first offered it for sale in his seed catalog in 1983.
Tomato: Sweetie Cherry (Heirloom) (Lycopersicon lycopersicum)
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The Heirloom Sweetie Cherry Tomato has a firm texture and was produced for commercial sale in 1980. These succulent fruits can grow up to 1" in diameter, and even though they aren't very big, they still have incredibly high sugar content.
Tomato: Yellow Pear (Heirloom) (Lycopersicon lycopersicum)
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History well documents the Yellow Pear tomato, indicating the presence of this variety in Europe as early as the 17th century. The earliest known reference to this heirloom in North America comes from the sale records of the Hudson Bay Company in Vancouver, Canada. Numerous heirloom seed companies in the United States still offer Yellow Pear as an unusual, delicious little tomato.