Russian Tarragon  - Artemisia dracunculoides -  €7per plant 

This herbaceous perennial may not be so pronounced as its French counterpart but is it is a much more hardy plant that prefers poor soils and can cope with a bit of neglect. It produces lots of leaves, which can be used for a milder flavour. Tarragon will make its home in the poorest area of your garden. It prefers full sun and  dry sandy soil. They are perfect for growing in containers near the kitchen door.  To order this plant email: [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: N. Europe, N. America 
  • native habitat: Prairies, plains and dry slopes
  • family: Asteraceae or Compositae

Predators

  • None known or experienced 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi shade - Full sun 
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • Hardiness Zone: 3
  • Drought tolerant 

Known hazards 

  • Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people.

Overview

  • 10 x 12 cm plant bag
  • Herbaceous perennial growing to 1 m  by 0.5 m at a medium rate. 
  • It is hardy to zone 3. 
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. 
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. 
  • It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Characteristics

  • form: Herbaceous perennial 
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit: multi-stemmed , deep tap root system. 
  • height x width (m): 1 x 0.5
  • years to bearing yield: 0 years  
  • productive life span: indefinite 

Products 

  • Leaf: The young leaves- raw or cooked. 
  • The young stems in early spring can be cooked as an asparagus substitute.
  • Medicinal: The fresh herb is eaten to promote the appetite
  • Both the growing and the dried plant repels insects.

Functions, behaviours

  • Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil
  • Tarragon has rhizomatous roots and it readily reproduces from the rhizomes.
  • Russian tarragon loses what flavor it has as it ages 
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project