Tarragon, Russian - Artemesia dracunculus
200 Seeds
Sow March - May
Half-hardy perennial.
Height 90cm (3ft), spread 45cm (18in).
Prefers a rich, sandy, well-drained soil in a sunny sheltered position.
Sow in shallow drills or in a 9cm (3") pot. Thin to 5cm (2") apart, or 2 or 3 to a pot, when large enough to handle. Transplant to growing site in September or early the following spring.
This shrub has a branched root system with runners that produce erect, bushy, light green branching stems, which become woody. The long, narrow leaves are glossy with oil glands on the underside, which release a bittersweet, warm, peppery scent. The small yellow or whitish green flowers appear in summer but rarely produce ripe seed.
Tarragon - Russian
Also known as Estragon.
From the family Asteraceae.
A native of Southern Europe, it can now be found in dry areas of North America, Southern Asia and Siberia. The name Tarragon is derived from the French word 'estragon' and the Latin 'dracunculus', a little dragon, which may have come from the shape of its roots or from its fiery flavour. Dragon herbs were believed to cure the bites of snakes, serpents and other venomous creatures. In the reign of Henry VIII, it made its way into English gardens and it is said that he divorced Catherine of Aragon for her reckless use of Tarragon.