Tarragon: French and Sicilian Kitchen s Aromatic Herb
Herbs

Tarragon: French and Sicilian Kitchen s Aromatic Herb

Artemisia dracunculus

Growing tarragon: perennial herb with unique anise flavour. Foundation of French and Sicilian cuisine, easy in pots in full sun.

Characteristics

Scientific nameArtemisia dracunculus
Height60-120 cm
Sunlightpieno sole
Waterbassa
Soilsabbioso drenante
Toxicitynon tossica
Growthmedia
Temperature-15 a 30 °C
FloweringJul, Aug
IrrigationWater rarely, only when soil is dry: tarragon hates standing water and root rot.

Tarragon is a perennial herb with an anise-like, slightly peppery flavour, an irreplaceable foundation of French cuisine (béarnaise) and Sicilian tradition. It grows vigorously in full sun on sandy well-drained soil, withstanding hard frosts. Always propagate from plants, never from seed.

Flowering season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Practical tips

Watering

Water needs: bassa — always check soil moisture before watering.

Position

Prefers pieno sole: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.

Substrate

Recommended soil: sabbioso drenante. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.

Leaves

Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.

FAQ

Why is tarragon propagated by plant and not by seed?
The most aromatic French variety (Sativa) is sterile and produces no viable seeds. It is propagated by clump division in spring or rhizome cuttings.
How do you preserve tarragon?
Fresh tarragon loses aroma quickly: freeze it in ice cubes with olive oil, or store in salt in a jar to keep its flavour all winter.

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