Growing tarragon tips

French tarragon is the variety considered best for the kitchen, however it is almost impossible to grow from seed. It does not set seed in temperate climates. (non-extreme).
Propagate from cuttings from rooted shoots.
Plants require about 30 cm (12in) room apart. Spring or autumn is the best time.
Russian tarragon is a far more hardy and vigorous plant. It prefers poor soils and happily tolerates drought and neglect. It produces many more leaves from early spring onwards. Grow indoors from seed and plant out in the summer. The spreading plant can be divided easily.
Some people do not consider the Russian variety worth growing due to it's limited flavor.

Botanical names:
French tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus
Russian tarragon, Artemisia dracunculoides

French tarragon is one of the best culinary herbs for savory cooking. It is a must for all herb collections. It grows to 1 meter (3 ft) high. It spreads by underground runners. It has shinny narrow leaves. In very warm climates it flowers fully with small greenish white flowers.
It's flower heads should be removed so as to encourage leafy growth.
After three or four years, the plant deteriorates in flavor unless it is divided and replanted in fresh soil. This is best done in spring.

Tarragon also has good medicinal and insect repellent properties.

Learn more about this popular indoor herb garden - click here.

Link for Australian residents www.aerogarden.com.au

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