Artemisia dracunculus (Tarragon)

Artemisia dracunculus – Tarragon: An In-Depth Look

Artemisia dracunculus, commonly known as Tarragon, is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae family prized for its slender, aromatic leaves with a distinctive anise-like flavor. Native to Eurasia and North America, this herb has been cultivated for centuries for its culinary, medicinal, and ornamental qualities. The plant thrives in dry, sunny conditions and is a key ingredient in classic French cuisine.

Aside from Tarragon, the Asteraceae family includes other popular culinary plants such as artichoke, lettuce, chicory, cardoon, sunflower, Jerusalem artichoke, safflower, dandelion, daisy, calendula, chamomile, and wormwood.

Native Range

Tarragon is native to vast regions of Eurasia and North America. Wild forms grow in dry meadows, roadsides, and disturbed habitats from Europe to Siberia and across parts of the United States and Canada. French tarragon, a cultivated form of Artemisia dracunculus, is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean.

Types of Tarragon

There are three main types of tarragon, each with distinct differences in flavor, growth habit, and culinary suitability.

French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus ‘Sativa’): The true culinary tarragon, cherished in French cuisine for its intense, sweet anise-like flavor. It is sterile and does not produce viable seeds, requiring propagation by division or cuttings. It rarely flowers and prefers well-drained soil. In colder climates, it is best grown in containers for protection during winter.

Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus): More vigorous and cold-hardy than French tarragon, this type can be grown from seed and produces viable flowers. Its flavor is milder and slightly bitter, making it less desirable for fine culinary use but well-suited for tough growing conditions.

Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida): Also known as Spanish or Texas tarragon, this unrelated species in the marigold family mimics the flavor of French tarragon and is valued as a substitute in hot, humid regions. It produces golden-yellow flowers and thrives in full sun but behaves as an annual in cooler climates.

Plant Type and Habit

Tarragon is a herbaceous perennial with a shrubby, clumping habit. It produces numerous slender stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. It spreads via rhizomatous roots and grows upright, forming loose clusters of leafy stems.

Size

Tarragon grows 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) tall and spreads 1 to 1.5 feet (30 to 45 cm) wide. French tarragon tends to be more compact and manageable in containers, while Russian tarragon grows taller and more vigorously.

Lifespan

Tarragon is a long-lived perennial that can remain productive for many years with proper care. Clumps should be divided every 2 to 4 years to maintain vigor and promote healthy new growth.

Flowers

Tarragon produces small, greenish-yellow to white flowers in elongated panicles from mid to late summer. The blooms are neither showy nor fragrant and are often removed in culinary varieties to preserve leaf flavor. French tarragon rarely flowers and does not set seed, particularly in cooler climates.

Fruits

Russian tarragon produces viable seeds, while French tarragon is sterile and propagated vegetatively. The tiny seeds develop after flowering and may self-sow under favorable conditions.

Foliage

The foliage consists of narrow, linear to lance-shaped leaves with smooth edges, aromatic qualities, and a bright to gray-green color. Leaves typically measure 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) long and offer a fine, smooth texture. Tarragon leaves are a staple in French cuisine, used fresh or dried in salad dressings, sauces, and the fines herbes blend. They pair beautifully with cooked dishes such as fish, poultry, veal, and eggs.

Hardiness

Tarragon is hardy in USDA zones 3–8. French tarragon is less tolerant of cold and excessive moisture, especially during winter, and is often grown in containers in colder climates. Russian tarragon is more robust, cold-hardy, and adaptable to a wider range of conditions.

Uses

• Culinary: Tarragon is essential in French cuisine, flavoring classic sauces like Béarnaise, infused vinegars, chicken, fish, egg dishes, and salad dressings. French tarragon is especially prized for its rich, anise-like flavor and is a key ingredient in the fines herbes blend. Keep it Fresh: 20 Best Herbs to Grow Indoors All Year
• Herbal: Traditionally used to aid digestion, stimulate appetite, and ease minor aches and pains. Tarragon leaves were often brewed into teas or applied as poultices. The plant also contains essential oils with mild antimicrobial and calming properties.
• Ornamental: Tarragon adds a refined, airy texture and gentle fragrance to garden beds and borders. Its upright growth and narrow leaves provide contrast among broader-leaved plants, making it an attractive filler in mixed plantings.
• Container: Ideal for pots on patios or balconies, especially in cooler climates where French tarragon benefits from winter protection. Its compact size and elegant habit make it suitable for small-space gardens and urban settings.
• Naturalized Area: Russian tarragon, with its vigorous growth and cold hardiness, can be used in informal plantings or naturalized areas where it spreads moderately and offers seasonal interest.
• Slope/Bank: With its drought tolerance and clumping habit, tarragon is a practical option for sunny slopes or banks where other herbs may struggle.
• Edible Garden: A must-have for herb lovers and home chefs, tarragon grows well alongside other Mediterranean herbs such as thyme, oregano, and rosemary. It provides a long-lasting harvest of flavorful leaves.
• Rock Garden: Tarragon’s slender form and drought tolerance make it a charming addition to rock gardens. It pairs well with lavender, sage, and creeping herbs in sunny, well-drained areas.
• Companion Plant: Tarragon pairs well with tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and more. It may enhance flavor and deter pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.

Wildlife Value

Tarragon provides limited nectar but does attract occasional bees and small pollinators during its flowering season. While not a major food source for wildlife, its presence in a diverse garden contributes to ecological health.

Drought Tolerance

Once established, tarragon is moderately drought-tolerant. It can thrive in dry conditions once established, though consistent moisture promotes better leaf production and flavor.

Deer and Rabbit Resistance

Tarragon is generally resistant to deer and rabbits due to its aromatic foliage, which animals find unpalatable. However, very hungry herbivores may still sample young shoots.

Toxicity

Tarragon contains various essential oils, including estragole, methyl eugenol, thujone, and furanocoumarins, which can pose risks if consumed in large quantities. While small culinary amounts are generally considered safe for humans, excessive intake may cause mild digestive upset or photosensitivity. The plant may also cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals due to its essential oil content.

Tarragon is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested in significant amounts. Symptoms of toxicity in animals may include vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhea, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, lethargy or hyperactivity, and, in severe cases, incoordination or coma.

All parts of the plant—bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, and stems—contain the potentially harmful compounds. Care should be taken to prevent pets from ingesting the plant and to wear gloves when handling if skin sensitivity is a concern.

Invasiveness

Tarragon may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Tarragon

Benefits

• Culinary Versatility: Tarragon is essential in French cuisine and adds a distinct anise-like flavor to sauces, dressings, meats, and vinegars.
• Digestive Aid: Traditionally used to stimulate appetite and support digestion, tarragon has been brewed into teas and herbal remedies.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, tarragon thrives with minimal care and is moderately drought-tolerant.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Its flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.
• Companion Planting: Grows well with crops like tomatoes and peppers and may help deter some common pests.
• Attractive Foliage: Fine-textured, aromatic leaves add ornamental value to herb gardens, rock gardens, and containers.

Drawbacks

• Sterility in French Variety: French tarragon does not produce viable seeds and must be propagated through division or cuttings.
• Cold Sensitivity: French tarragon is not winter-hardy in colder climates and may require protection or container growing.
• Flavor Variability: Russian tarragon is easier to grow but lacks the refined flavor of French tarragon, making it less desirable for culinary use.
• Invasiveness: Russian tarragon spreads by rhizomes and can become invasive if not managed properly.
• Toxicity Concerns: Tarragon contains compounds that may cause mild toxicity in pets and skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

How to Grow and Care for Tarragon

Planting

• Site: Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Tarragon dislikes heavy or waterlogged conditions.
• Soil: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5–7.5) and benefits from sandy or loamy soil amended with compost or grit.
• French Tarragon: Must be planted from cuttings or divisions, as it does not produce viable seeds. Best grown in containers in cooler regions.
• Russian Tarragon: Can be grown from seed and is more tolerant of poor soils and cold weather. Sow in spring after frost.

Watering

• Establishment Phase: Water regularly after planting until well-established.
• Established Plants: Moderately drought-tolerant but perform best with consistent moisture. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
• Containers: Ensure good drainage and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Fertilization

• Low Feeding Needs: Tarragon prefers lean soils. Over-fertilization can reduce flavor.
• Best Practice: Apply a light layer of compost or a diluted balanced fertilizer in spring if needed.

Mulching

• Mulch around the base with straw, bark, or grit to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots in winter.

Winter Care

• French Tarragon: Not fully hardy. Grow in containers and overwinter indoors or in a frost-free location.
• Russian Tarragon: Fully hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Cut back dead growth after frost; new shoots will emerge in spring.

Pruning

• Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering, which reduces leaf quality.
• Cut the plant back to the base in early spring to promote fresh new growth.

Dividing

• Divide clumps every 2–4 years in spring to rejuvenate the plant and maintain vigor.

How to Harvest Tarragon

When to Harvest

• Timing of Harvest: Harvest in the early morning after dew has dried for optimal flavor and aroma.
• Leaf Harvest: Begin harvesting once plants reach about 6 inches (15 cm) tall. The best flavor comes from young, tender leaves before flowering.
• Season: Harvest from late spring through early fall. Frequent harvesting encourages new growth and delays flowering. Stop harvesting about a month before the first frost to allow the plant to prepare for winter.

How to Harvest

• Tools: Use clean, sharp scissors or garden snips to prevent damage and reduce disease risk.
• Method: Snip individual leaves or cut 4–6 inch (10–15 cm) stem tips just above a leaf node to promote branching.
• Amount: Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time to prevent stress.
• Handling Leaves: Tarragon leaves are delicate and bruise easily, so handle them gently to preserve their flavor and aroma.

Post-Harvest Tips

• Use Fresh: Tarragon leaves are most flavorful when used immediately after harvest.
• Preserve: For later use, dry leaves in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or freeze in airtight containers or ice cube trays with water or olive oil.

Tip

• To extend the harvest season, pinch off flower buds as they form. This keeps the plant focused on leaf production.

How to Propagate Tarragon

French Tarragon

French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus ‘Sativa’) is sterile and does not produce viable seeds. It must be propagated vegetatively by division or cuttings.

• By Division
  • When: Divide plants in early spring or fall every 2–4 years to maintain vigor.
  • How: Gently dig up the clump and separate the root sections, ensuring each has shoots and healthy roots. Replant immediately in well-drained soil.
• By Cuttings
  • When: Take softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring to mid-summer.
  • How: Snip 4–6 inch (10–15 cm) cuttings from healthy stems. Remove lower leaves and place in moist potting mix. Keep warm and humid until roots form.

Russian Tarragon

Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) produces viable seeds and can also be propagated by division or cuttings.

• From Seed
  • When: Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
  • How: Sow seeds on the surface of moist soil. Do not cover, as light aids germination. Keep soil warm (60–70°F or 15–21°C). Germination takes 14–21 days.
• By Division or Cuttings
  • Use the same methods as French tarragon for division or stem cuttings. Russian tarragon is more forgiving and easier to root.

Label your plants, as French and Russian tarragon look similar but differ greatly in flavor and use.

Companion Planting with Tarragon

Tarragon is a versatile companion herb known to improve the flavor of nearby crops and repel harmful pests. Its aromatic foliage helps deter insects, and it shares growing preferences with many garden vegetables and herbs.

Good Companions

• Tomatoes: Tarragon is said to enhance tomato flavor and may help repel aphids and whiteflies.
• Peppers: Shares similar sunlight and soil requirements. May deter common pepper pests.
• Eggplants: Grows well nearby and contributes to pest control through its strong scent.
• Cucumbers: Help provide shade and retain soil moisture, which tarragon appreciates.
• Chives: Repel aphids and beetles while improving soil health.
• Basil: Both herbs enjoy the same growing conditions and offer mutual protection from pests.
• Lemon Balm: Attracts beneficial insects while keeping mosquitoes and gnats away.
• Pumpkins and Squash: Provide ground cover and moisture retention; tarragon may deter pests.
• Strawberries: Help keep soil cool and moist while attracting pollinators.
• Root Vegetables (carrots, beets, sweet potatoes): Do not compete above ground and improve soil structure.
• Marigolds: Repel nematodes and act as a trap crop, protecting tarragon and neighbors.
• Garlic: Protects from spider mites and may deter rabbits and larger pests.

Bad Companions

• No major incompatibilities are reported, but avoid planting tarragon in overly crowded herb beds where it may compete for airflow and light.

Tips for Companion Planting

• Rotate locations each year to prevent disease buildup.
• Interplant with pest-prone crops to boost natural resistance.
• Use tarragon to create beneficial insect zones in your vegetable garden.

Common Pests and Diseases of Tarragon

Pests

• Aphids: Small sap-sucking insects that cluster on new growth, causing leaf curling and stunted growth. Control with insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
• Spider mites: Tiny pests that cause stippled, yellowing leaves and webbing. Keep humidity high and wash leaves regularly to reduce infestations.
• Whiteflies: These small flying insects feed on plant sap and may spread diseases. Use yellow sticky traps or neem oil to manage them.
• Scale insects: Appear as small bumps on stems and leaves, sometimes accompanied by sooty mold. Manage with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
• Mealybugs: Cottony-looking insects that feed on plant sap. Remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or use neem oil.
• Leafhoppers: These sap-sucking insects may spread disease. Monitor closely and use row covers or insecticidal sprays if needed.
• Thrips: Including chrysanthemum and western flower thrips, they damage leaves and flowers and may transmit viruses. Use sticky traps and beneficial insects.

Diseases

• Powdery mildew: A white, powdery coating on leaves, especially in humid conditions. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Treat with sulfur or neem oil if necessary.
• rust: Presents as orange or brown pustules on the underside of leaves. Remove affected foliage and apply appropriate fungicide.
• Black Rot: Fungal disease causing dark lesions on leaves and stems. Improve drainage and avoid overhead watering.
• Fusarium Crown and root rot: Caused by Fusarium solani, it leads to browning, wilting, and root decay. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.

Prevention and Management

• Regular Inspections: Monitor plants weekly for early signs of pest or disease problems.
• Soil and Watering: Use well-draining soil and water at the base to avoid excess humidity and fungal issues.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combine biological, cultural, and mechanical methods with minimal chemical use.
• Organic Controls: Neem oil, insecticidal soaps, and natural predators help manage pests without harming beneficial organisms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tarragon

What is Tarragon?

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family known for its slender, aromatic leaves and distinctive anise-like flavor. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, it is widely used in French cuisine and valued for both culinary and medicinal uses. French Tarragon is considered the most flavorful variety and is often used in sauces, dressings, and herbal blends.

Tarragon Substitutes

If tarragon is unavailable, several herbs can serve as substitutes depending on the dish:

• Fennel fronds: Offer a similar licorice-like note, ideal for fish and chicken dishes.
• Anise seed: Use sparingly for its strong, sweet flavor; suitable for sauces and marinades.
• Dill: Lighter and slightly grassy, works in salads and dressings.
• Chervil: A milder alternative in the same herb family; best in egg or delicate dishes.
• Basil: Though different in flavor, it can substitute in savory dishes requiring fresh herbs.
• Parsley and Cinnamon: This combination can mimic the flavor of tarragon in certain recipes, such as Béarnaise sauce, by providing a fresh, herbaceous taste with a warm, spicy undertone.

What Does Tarragon Taste Like?

Tarragon has a unique flavor profile combining sweet, bitter, and peppery notes with a prominent hint of anise or licorice. French tarragon is smooth, subtle, and slightly warm, making it a standout in savory dishes. The flavor is most pronounced when used fresh and added toward the end of cooking.

Popular Tarragon Recipes

• Bearnaise Sauce: A classic French sauce made with tarragon, shallots, vinegar, egg yolks, and butter. Served over steak or fish.
• Tarragon Chicken: Chicken breasts cooked with cream, mustard, and fresh tarragon leaves for a rich, herbaceous dish.
• Tarragon Vinegar: Fresh tarragon infused in white wine vinegar, ideal for salad dressings and marinades.
• Herb Omelet: Tarragon, chives, and parsley folded into eggs for a light and aromatic breakfast.
• Potato Salad with Tarragon: Boiled potatoes mixed with mustard, mayonnaise, and fresh tarragon for a flavorful twist.