Growing Tarragon: The Essential Guide

If you're looking for a versatile herb to add flavor to your dishes, tarragon is a perfect choice. This herb has a distinct anise-like flavor and aroma that blends well with other ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing tarragon in your garden is easy and rewarding.

1. Understanding Tarragon

Tarragon is a perennial herb that belongs to the sunflower family. There are two main varieties of tarragon: French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus sativa) and Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides). French tarragon is the most common type used in cooking because it has a more pronounced taste and aroma than Russian tarragon.

When it comes to growing tarragon, it's important to note that French tarragon is not grown from seeds. Instead, it is propagated through cuttings or root division. Russian tarragon, on the other hand, can be grown from seeds but has a milder flavor compared to its French counterpart.

2. Planting Tarragon

The best time to plant tarragon is in the spring just after the last frost. Choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that's slightly larger than the root ball of your tarragon plant, and place it in the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Space each plant about 18-24 inches apart to give them room to grow.

To ensure optimal growth, water your tarragon consistently and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize your plants every few weeks using a balanced fertilizer. If you're growing tarragon in a container, use a high-quality potting mix and make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

3. Harvesting Tarragon

You can start harvesting tarragon leaves once the plant has reached a height of 12-18 inches. To harvest, simply snip off individual leaves or cut back entire stems to encourage new growth. It's best to harvest tarragon in the morning when the oils in the leaves are at their peak.

When storing tarragon, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Tarragon can also be frozen or dried for future use.

4. Using Tarragon

Tarragon is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its anise-like flavor pairs well with chicken, fish, eggs, and vegetables. Here are some simple ideas for using tarragon:

• Add chopped tarragon to scrambled eggs or omelets.
• Make a homemade salad dressing with tarragon, olive oil, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
• Sprinkle fresh tarragon over roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or asparagus.
• Use tarragon to season chicken, fish, or shrimp before grilling or baking.

A tarragon plant

5.

Growing tarragon is an easy way to add flavor and fragrance to your garden and kitchen. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy this versatile herb year-round. Whether you're using tarragon in classic French dishes like Bearnaise sauce or experimenting with new recipes, you're sure to fall in love with its unique flavor.

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