Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
Botanical family: Asteraceae
Artemisia dracunculus, two very distinct varieties: Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides), half-cultivable, bland taste, and the TRUE French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa) which has a characteristic aniseed taste. Always buy as a plant, never as seed (the seed sold almost always gives Russian tarragon). A major herb of French cooking (tarragon chicken, tarragon vinegar). Source: Bernard Bertrand, Le grand livre des plantes aromatiques.
Full sun
Light, drained
Low once established: tolerates drought, dislikes waterlogging
Hardy
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
A perennial by rhizomes, planted once, produces for 5-7 years. To be divided every 3-4 years. Does not reproduce by seed (the cultivated variety is sterile), only by cutting and division. Prefers a rather poor soil, greedy on compost = bland taste.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Seasons & availability
Picked from April to October.
Available: April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Tarragon » (rhs.org.uk/herbs/tarragon/grow-your-own)
- La Ferme de Sainte Marthe, « Réussir la culture de l'estragon » (fermedesaintemarthe.com/en/blogs/comment-reussir-la-culture-de/reussir-la-culture-de-lestragon)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Common culinary use (fresh or dried leaf, in small quantity) poses no problem. Tarragon is one of the plants richest in estragole, classed as a potential genotoxin by the EFSA: as with basil and fennel, its essential oil and concentrated extracts are to be avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in young children.
In the kitchen & the apothecary
Where to find tarragon in preparations: recipes and traditional herbal teas.
Family behaviour: Asteraceae
In general, Asteraceae are a family rich in flowers appreciated by pollinators and beneficials (pot marigold, yarrow, chamomile). It is very scattered, from the mildest lettuce to the allelopathic sunflower.
Understanding families means learning one rule per family rather than every pairing one by one. Learn more →
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun exposure.
- • Ideal soil: light, drained.