Characteristics:
A
2- to 3-foot bush with narrow leaves and a bold anise flavor and fragrance.
Seldom flowers and never produces seed. Growing
Information:
Plant
in well-drained but moderately fertile soil and full sun. Space plants 18 inches
apart. Propagation:
If
you already have tarragon, you can divide it to make more plants. You can also
take cuttings in summer. Possible
Problems:
Divide
every couple of years; replant healthiest section. French tarragon cannot form
seed. Harvesting
and Using:
Harvest
sprigs through the summer but stop harvesting in fall to discourage winter
damage. Use the leaves fresh, dried, or frozen with chicken, fish or cheese
dishes, cream sauces, herbal vinegars, and herbal mustards. Related
Herbs:
Russian
tarragon (A.
dracunculus)
resembles French tarragon but with much inferior flavor. It is grown from seed
and gets to be 5 feet tall. Russian tarragon can form seed. |