Russian Tarragon, scientifically known as Artemisia dracunculoides, is a hardy perennial herb valued for its resilience, versatility, and subtle aromatic flavor. While milder than French tarragon, Russian tarragon remains a useful culinary herb that has long been appreciated throughout Eastern European cuisine.
Its slender green leaves provide a gentle herbal flavor that pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, pickles, egg dishes, fish, poultry, and sauces. The leaves may be harvested fresh throughout the season or dried for later use in the kitchen.
Russian Tarragon is exceptionally easy to grow and thrives in a wide range of conditions. This drought-tolerant herb performs best in sunny locations with well-drained sandy soil and can withstand colder temperatures better than many culinary herbs. Once established, plants require minimal maintenance and will continue producing fragrant foliage year after year.
In addition to its culinary uses, Russian Tarragon has traditionally been used to support digestion and stimulate appetite. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and increased leaf production, making this herb both attractive and productive in the garden.
Russian Tarragon Seed Details
- Quantity: 100 Seeds
- Plant Type: Perennial Herb
- Scientific Name: Artemisia dracunculoides
- Flavor: Mild Herbal Tarragon Flavor
- Plant Habit: Upright Bushy Growth
- Seed Planting Depth: 1/8 Inch
- Germination Temperature: 65-75°F
- Days to Germination: 14-21 Days
- Plant Spacing: 18 Inches
- Sun Requirements: Full Sun
- Soil Preference: Well-Drained Sandy Soil
- Ideal Uses: Soups, Stews, Pickles, Sauces, Herbal Seasoning
- Special Features: Drought Tolerant, Cold Hardy, Perennial Herb
How to Grow
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil and prepare the planting area by adding compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
Sow Russian Tarragon seeds directly into the soil, spacing seeds approximately 12 inches apart. Cover lightly with a thin layer of soil and water thoroughly after planting.
Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which typically occurs within two to three weeks. Once seedlings emerge, thin plants to approximately 18 inches apart to provide adequate room for mature growth.
As plants mature, water regularly but avoid overly wet conditions. Occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer will encourage healthy vigorous growth.
Harvest leaves once plants reach about six inches tall by snipping foliage as needed. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time to maintain healthy continued growth.
