Tarragon: The perennial herb in your own garden

The spicy tarragon is available in different varieties. We present tarragon from cultivation in your own garden to use in the kitchen.

Tarragon (Artemisiadracunculus) belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). This makes the perennial herb, for example, with the dandelion (Taraxacum) related. The characteristic bloom appears in a yellow-green hue from May to June. When grown in beds and under favorable conditions, it can reach a height of up to 150 cm - and that in just one year. Because the herb, which is native to Siberia and Asia, is cut off towards winter. The commercially available stripped or fresh tarragon is mostly grown in the Netherlands or the Balkans. The spicy herb, which is characterized by a fine note of anise, is particularly popular in Italian and French cuisine. Three different types of tarragon are mainly grown - Russian, French or German tarragon. In the following, you will find out what preferences the individual tarragon varieties have and what their properties are.

Growing tarragon: the aromatic herb in your own garden

Location
The tarragon prefers a sunny, but sheltered location. He can also cope with partial shade and occasional drought does not bother him, as long as he does not dry out completely. Basically, a moist, yet permeable and nutrient-rich soil is ideal for the perennial herb. Waterlogging, on the other hand, should be avoided. If this is the case, you can work sand into the soil, for example, to loosen it up and promote its permeability.

Tarragon can also be grown in a tub on the balcony and terrace. So that it can be watered frequently according to its needs, you should choose a sufficiently large planter from the start.
Especially in the pot but also in the bed, the tarragon benefits from the use of nutrient-rich, well-water-storing soil. Our Plantura organic universal soil is such a soil that is also produced peat-free and protects the tarragon from waterlogging thanks to its loose structure with wood fiber.

Multiplication
How one Propagate tarragon depends on the variety. Of the russian tarragon (Artemisiadracunculus var. inodora) can be propagated by sowing. This takes place in March or April. Then the seeds are first grown in a preculture in the house and planted outdoors from May. However, it is not absolutely necessary to grow young plants indoors. The seeds of the Russian tarragon can also simply be sown outdoors from the end of April. However, it should be noted that tarragon is a light germ and the seeds must therefore not be covered with a substrate layer.

Of the french tarragon (Artemisiadracunculus var. sativus) and German tarragon (Artemisiadracunculus cv.), on the other hand, cannot be propagated via seeds, since they do not develop any. Therefore, these two varieties are propagated either by dividing a plant in spring or by cuttings. The cuttings are cut in summer and, when the air humidity is high, put in a nursery box with a transparent cover, for example. As soon as the first roots are formed, the cuttings are slowly moved to an environment with less Accustomed to humidity by gradually removing the cover of the propagation box longer and longer will.

We also have detailed step-by-step instructions for you to use Tarragon cultivation.

Watering and fertilizing
Especially when the tarragon is grown in a pot, it must be carefully watered. Under no circumstances should it dry out completely. That is why it has to be watered occasionally if it has been planted in the bed - especially if the drought persists. because the tarragon only develops a very shallow root system and therefore does not reach the deep water reserves in the soil can.

A well-fertilized substrate should be used in the pot culture. During the main growth period up to June, it is advisable to add watering occasionally every three to four weeks. If the tarragon is planted in the bed in May, the soil can be made with compost or primarily organic Organic universal fertilizer be prepared to ensure the nutrient supply of the tarragon.

Maintain
Which plants live in the immediate vicinity of the tarragon can already determine the success of the daisy family. So is thyme (Thymusvulgaris) near the tarragon conducive to with dill (Anethumgraveolens) on the other hand, he doesn't get along well at all.

In autumn, tarragon is cut about 5 to 10 cm above the surface of the soil. To the Wintering the tarragon the plant is covered with rice, leaves or fir branches to protect it from the cold. Plants that are cultivated in pots should be placed indoors or in during the cold season Garden fleece to encase. Even if the German tarragon, which is somewhat more robust than the other two varieties, should still be protected from frosty temperatures. This also makes it easier for them to sprout in the following spring.

Tarragon: Three varieties with different properties

Within the species are three different ones Tarragon varieties to distinguish, which mainly find place in the home garden.

• Russian tarragon (Artemisiadracunculusinodora)
  The Russian tarragon is relatively undemanding and could also cope with poorer, barren soils. It is seldom grown because its bitter note does not suit everyone's taste. However, it is the only variety that can be easily propagated from seeds.
• French tarragon (Artemisiadracunculussativus)
  The French tarragon is the most intense in the characteristic tarragon aroma. It is used in the traditional Bernaise sauce and can withstand temperatures down to -10 ° C. Since it does not develop seeds, it has to be propagated by division or cuttings.
• German tarragon (Artemisiadracunculus)
  The German tarragon is the most robust of the three varieties. It tolerates winter temperatures best, but has to be propagated using cuttings as it does not develop seeds.

The seeds of Russian tarragon are easily available in stores. However, if you want to propagate the other two types of tarragon yourself, you have to have access to an appropriate plant. However, the varieties to be propagated by dividing and cuttings are available in well-stocked specialist shops and in nurseries.

Harvest and store tarragon properly

Harvest tarragon
To enjoy the tarragon, the leaves or young shoots are simply removed. Harvesting is possible all year round, but it is best to do it before flowering. With the onset of flowering, the content of flavoring substances and consequently the aroma of the tarragon decreases. The shoots are simply cut off in a length of up to 30 cm. However, the whole plant should never be harvested at once. Regular harvesting can delay the flowering of the tarragon and thus extend the period in which the aromatic material can be harvested.

Store tarragon
The tarragon can be stored in different ways. So you have your aroma available all year round.

• Freeze the tarragon
  If the leaves are plucked from the stems after harvest, they can be filled into ice cube molds and frozen with a little water. The tarragon ice cubes are available in handy portions at any time for months and can be used easily and conveniently.
• Dry tarragon
  Tarragon can also be dried, but then it will lose a little of its aroma. In addition, only the plucked leaves should be dried, otherwise the aromas will accumulate in the stems, which cannot be used.
• Put in tarragon
  Whole shoots of tarragon can also be soaked in oil. The best way to do this is to use a virgin olive oil. It is important that the shoots are completely surrounded by olive oil, otherwise mold will quickly develop. The oil absorbs the aromas of the tarragon and can be used for seasoning or cooking. The tarragon drives should pull through in the oil for two weeks. You can do the same with vinegar.

More about the right one Harvest and storage of tarragon You will find here.

Tarragon: use in the kitchen and as a medicinal herb

Tarragon is particularly popular in French and Italian cuisine. The light aniseed aroma is ideal for seasoning, for example meat dishes or egg and cheese dishes. The aromatic French tarragon is part of the classic Bernaise sauce. Tarragon can also be cooked - the aroma is not reduced by cooking, as is the case with other herbs. Sometimes it is recommended that when seasoning with tarragon only this herb is used for seasoning and not combined with other herbs. Everyone has to test for themselves whether this makes sense.

Tarragon is not only used in the kitchen, it is also said to have an effect as a medicinal herb. It generally stimulates the digestion of heavy foods and promotes appetite. Furthermore, it should counteract mild toothache.

However, the use of tarragon has been criticized for several years due to the ingredient estragole. This is because it is suspected of causing cancer. However, you have to consume quantities that are far above those normally used for seasoning. Nevertheless, pregnant women in particular are advised not to eat dishes flavored with tarragon.

Further Medicinal plants from your own garden as well as their healing effects can be found in this article.