Tarragon, also called erva-dragon, is one of the most appreciated aromatic herbs in French cuisine. A perennial plant that usually reaches 60 to 150 cm in height, but can reach 2 m, can be found growing spontaneously in much of the northern hemisphere. Cultivated tarragon is classified as tarragon-French (or tarragon-German), and tarragon-Russian. French tarragon is considered the best for culinary use, being the most aromatic and having the best flavor. Russian tarragon has little aroma and flavor, but is easier to grow, is more resistant and grows more.
Climate and luminosity
Tarragon grows best at temperatures between 4 ° C and 20 ° C, and can be grown in temperate or subtropical regions. Tarragon-russian supports better low temperatures than tarragon-French. In warm weather, tarragon tends to be tasteless.
This plant needs a few hours of direct sunlight daily.
Land and Irrigation
Preferential cultivation in light soil, moderately fertile, well drained and that does not retain much moisture, but can be cultivated even in poor or stony soils. Although it is quite tolerant in terms of soil pH, a pH between 6 and 7.5 is recommended.
Irrigate to keep the soil slightly moist, allowing the soil to dry superficially before re-irrigating. This plant is sensitive to excess water, mainly during winter.
Plantation
Only Russian tarragon can be propagated by seeds. Tarragon-French usually does not produce seeds and is propagated only by the division of well-developed plants or by staking.
The seeds of the Russian tarragon can be sown directly in the definitive place or they can be seeded in sowing or small glasses, transplanting the seedlings when they are big enough to be manipulated. Leave the seeds on the ground not more than 0.5 cm deep. The seeds usually take 2 to 3 weeks to germinate.
For tarragon-French, the most widely used method is the division of well-developed and healthy plants. A plant can be divided to obtain 3 to 5 seedlings. Ramos can also be cut and planted in soil or sand, always kept moist until rooting.
The spacing can be from 30 to 60 cm between the lines of plantation and from 30 to 50 cm between the plants, depending on the size of the cultivar (the tarragon-French has smaller size than the tarragon-Russian).
Tarragon can be grown in large pots and planters, but the plants will have to be divided and replanted more frequently.
Cultural treatments
Remove invasive plants that are competing for nutrients and resources.
Renew the plantation every three or four years, dividing the plants to form new seedlings.
Harvest
Harvesting can usually start 60 days after planting. Tail branches or leaves when necessary and cut the entire aerial part before winter. The leaves should be used fresh, as they lose flavor and aroma when dried.