Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), also known as Dragon's Wort, is a perennial herb prized for its aromatic, spicy, and slightly bitter flavor. It is a favorite in French and Mediterranean cuisine, often used in cooking to enhance the taste of dishes such as chicken, fish, and egg recipes. The herb features long, narrow, lance-shaped leaves with a distinctive sweet, anise-like fragrance. Tarragon is also revered for its medicinal properties and has been traditionally used for digestive health. With its ease of growth and adaptability to various garden settings, tarragon is a must-have herb for culinary enthusiasts and home gardeners alike.

Key Features:

• 100 Seeds: A generous supply to grow your own fresh tarragon plants for cooking or medicinal purposes.
• Culinary Herb: Tarragon is a staple in French cuisine and is commonly used in sauces, marinades, and herb butters.
• Aromatic Flavor: Known for its unique flavor, tarragon has a sweet, licorice-like taste that adds depth to a variety of dishes.
• Medicinal Properties: Tarragon has been used in herbal medicine to support digestion and relieve digestive issues like bloating and indigestion.
• Perennial Growth: Tarragon is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that will return year after year, making it an excellent choice for herb gardens.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: Tarragon prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.
• Soil Preferences: Well-drained, fertile soil is ideal for growing tarragon. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
• Planting Tips:
  • Sowing Depth: Sow seeds approximately 1/8 inch deep.
  • Sowing Time: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly outdoors in spring after the danger of frost has passed.
  • Germination Time: Tarragon seeds typically germinate in 10-14 days.
  • Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow them room to grow.
• Watering: While tarragon is drought-tolerant once established, it prefers consistent moisture during the growing season. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
• Maintenance: Tarragon is a low-maintenance herb. Cut back spent flowers and stems after the growing season to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape.

Benefits:

• Culinary Uses: Tarragon is an essential herb in cooking, adding a distinctive flavor to chicken, fish, egg dishes, and salad dressings. It’s also used to infuse vinegars, sauces (like Béarnaise), and oils.
• Digestive Aid: Tarragon has been traditionally used to stimulate digestion, relieve bloating, and ease symptoms of indigestion.
• Antioxidant Properties: Tarragon contains compounds with antioxidant properties, which may support overall health by combating oxidative stress.
• Natural Remedy: In addition to its digestive benefits, tarragon is also used in herbal medicine to help alleviate mild sleep issues and anxiety.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The small yellow flowers of tarragon attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, to your garden.

Growing Zones:
Tarragon grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. It is a hardy perennial that can survive colder winters and will continue to grow year after year in most temperate climates. In colder areas, you may want to grow it in pots to bring indoors during the winter months.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Culinary Garden: Tarragon is a must-have in any kitchen garden, especially for those who enjoy cooking with fresh herbs. Its easy-to-grow nature and versatility make it a perfect herb for a dedicated herb garden.
• Companion Planting: Tarragon works well when planted alongside tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, as it can help improve the flavor of these crops and repel certain pests.
• Pollinator Garden: The delicate yellow flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making tarragon a valuable addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.
• Container Gardening: Tarragon is an excellent herb to grow in pots or containers, especially for those with limited garden space. This allows you to easily harvest fresh leaves while keeping the plant contained.

Conclusion:
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a flavorful, fragrant, and easy-to-grow herb that enhances both culinary and medicinal gardens. Whether you're using it in your favorite French recipes, enjoying its digestive benefits, or adding it to your pollinator garden, tarragon is a versatile and rewarding plant. With 100 seeds in each pack, you'll have everything you need to start your own thriving tarragon plants and enjoy this delicious herb season after season.