Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)

View of the Artemisia dracunculus

El tarragon it is one of the most popular plants. It is widely used both for its ornamental beauty and for its culinary properties and uses. In addition, as it is very easy to care for and grow, it is very interesting to have it in the garden, in the garden or even in a pot.

But What are those cares? If you just got a copy or you have one and you are not sure how to have it perfect, in this article you will find an answer to your questions.

Origin and characteristics

The tarragon plant is very hardy

Tarragon is a perennial plant - it lives for several years, more than ten - native to Central Asia and Siberia, whose scientific name is Artemisia dracunculus. It is also popularly known as dragoncillo or tarragón. Reaches a height of between 60 and 120 centimeters, and its leaves are long, thin, dark green and about 7,5cm long.

Blooms in summer. The flowers are green or lime green in color and are arranged in cylindrical chapters that form compact ears.

There are two types:

  • French: it has a fine sweet aroma and flavor, similar to anise, and never bitter.
  • Russian: it is another different species, Artemisia dracunculoides, and it is somewhat bitter but more resistant.

What are their cares?

To have it well and healthy, we recommend taking care of it in the following way:

Location

It is important that be outside, in full sun. It can be in semi-shade as long as it receives a minimum of 4 hours of direct light per day.

Earth

  • Flower pot: it is not necessary to complicate much. With a universal culture substrate it will be enough for it to grow well.
  • Garden: the same: not demanding. But if you have good drainage best.

Irrigation

The frequency of watering will vary depending on the area and the climate, but should generally be moderate to frequent. To have more or less an idea, it is advisable to water about 3 times a week in summer and a little less the rest of the year.

Subscriber

Manure guano powder is very good for tarragon.

Guano powder.

Being a useful plant for humans (rather, for their stomach 🙂), must be paid in spring and summer with ecological fertilizersand guano or manure. The only two things to keep in mind are that they must be liquid if it is in a pot so that the drainage continues to be good, and that if it is fresh, it must be left to dry for a week in the sun, otherwise the roots would burn.

Pruning

Although it is not very necessary, stems can be cut in late winter so that it has a more compact shape. Faded flowers can also be removed.

Harvest

Late summer. The tender stems are cut about 10cm from the ground, then bundled with them and hung in ventilated places to dry.

Multiplication

By seeds in spring. The way to proceed is as follows:

  1. The first thing to do is fill a seedling tray (you can get it here) with universal growing medium.
  2. Afterwards, it is watered consciously.
  3. Then, a maximum of two seeds are placed in each socket.
  4. They are then covered with a thin layer of substrate.
  5. The next step is to water, this time with a sprayer.
  6. Finally, the tray is placed inside another without holes, outside, in semi-shade.

Thus, they will germinate in 2-3 weeks maximum.

Plagues and diseases

It's very tough, but opportunistic fungi can damage your roots if overwatered. To avoid this, it is always going to be better to fall short of watering than to go too far.

Rusticity

Tarragon withstands cold and frost down to -5ºC. In the case of living in a colder area, you have to protect yourself inside the home, in a bright room and away from drafts.

What uses does it have?

Tarragon is widely used in cooking

Ornamental

Tarragon is a very pretty plant, the kind that "makes" a garden. How does it reach a certain height can be used as a delimiting plant for zones or sections, or as a potted plant (or planter). Some even have it in the kitchen if it is bright.

Culinary

It is undoubtedly the most widespread use. It is an aromatic plant, and as such it is used to give aroma for example to meat and fish, and sauces or creams. It is also an important ingredient in herbs of provence, fine herbs or bouquet garni.

Medicinal

It has medicinal properties that cannot be ignored. And is that it is used in heavy digestions, to regulate menstrual periods, for hiccups and lack of appetite. Also, topically it is excellent in snake and dog bites; and the fresh leaves can be used to relieve arthritis pain.

What did you think of the tarragon? It is a very interesting plant, right? Now you know how you can have it beautiful throughout the year, but if you have doubts ... do not hesitate to leave them in writing in the comments.


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