Russian Tarragon [Artemisia dracunculus]

Russian tarragon is a hardy, perennial fragrant, medicinal and spice plant. In ancient Egypt the species was used as a fragrance oil, today it is also valued in herbal medicine. The plant can grow up to 1 m high and its aroma increases with age. The narrow, shiny leaves have a bittersweet, slightly peppery taste with a note of anise and are ideal for drying.
The culture is uncomplicated and thrives in almost all soils.

General information
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 120 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Weak eater
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -10 °C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, dry, loamy, sandy, humus

pH value: 6 to 7

Sowing and planting information
Germ type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-24 °C
Germination time: 7-28 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x40 cm

Optimal mixed culture: Cucumber, Sage, Chives, Thyme, Lovage, Bean, Pea, Spinach, Lettuce
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly outdoors from March to June or pre-cultivate in small pots from February to August.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow directly outdoors from April to June or pre-cultivate in small pots from March to June.

General
Sow directly in rows. When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible tarragon leaves. Then plant the pregrown plants from the pots directly into the open field. The seedlings are planted in the bed from the 2nd pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Tarragon prefers a sunny location with a permeable, rather dry, poor, humus-rich and sandy loam soil. Prepare the soil with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds or cuttings.

Plant care
Water only moderately, it does not thrive in soil that is too moist. Beds prepared with animal manure and planting in mixed culture replace additional fertilizer.

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Artemisia dracunculus
English names: Russian Tarragon
German names: Russischer Estragon, Escadronkraut, Dragon, Drachenkraut
Portuguese names: Estragão russo
Spanish names: Estragón ruso
French names: Estragon russe