Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a hardy, flavorful herb that is a fantastic addition to any garden. Unlike French Tarragon, which is prized for its superior flavor and aroma, Russian Tarragon offers a more robust, slightly bitter taste and is easier to grow in a wider range of climates. It’s known for its narrow, lance-shaped leaves and distinctive licorice-like flavor. Russian Tarragon is perfect for culinary uses, adding a zesty twist to salads, sauces, chicken, fish, and even eggs. While it’s not as refined as its French counterpart, its resilience and adaptability make it a valuable herb for gardeners and cooks alike. Russian Tarragon is a perennial herb that grows best in sunny spots and well-drained soil, and it can be harvested fresh or dried for year-round use.

Key Features:

• Hardy Perennial: Russian Tarragon is a perennial herb that comes back year after year, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden.
• Robust Flavor: The herb offers a slightly bitter, anise-like flavor, which is perfect for adding depth to a wide range of dishes, from chicken and fish to sauces and dressings.
• Easy to Grow: Unlike French Tarragon, which is more temperamental, Russian Tarragon is more robust and easier to grow, making it ideal for gardeners in a variety of climates.
• Drought-Tolerant: Russian Tarragon is relatively drought-tolerant once established and thrives in dry, well-drained soil.
• Attracts Pollinators: The small yellow-green flowers of Russian Tarragon attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, helping support a healthy ecosystem.

Growing Information:

Light Requirements:
Russian Tarragon thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate light shade, but the flavor of the leaves may not be as strong, and the plant may become leggy.

Soil Preferences:
This herb prefers well-drained soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Russian Tarragon is adaptable to poor soils, making it a great option for garden beds, containers, or xeriscaping. It does not like wet feet, so ensure the soil drains well to avoid root rot.

Planting Tips:
Russian Tarragon can be grown from seeds, though it’s often easier to propagate from cuttings or divisions. If starting from seed, sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors once the weather warms up. The seeds should be lightly pressed into the soil but not covered, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination process (which takes 10-14 days). Once the seedlings are large enough, transplant them outdoors with a spacing of 18-24 inches to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

Watering Needs:
Russian Tarragon is drought-tolerant once established but does best with regular watering during dry spells. It prefers to dry out slightly between waterings, so it’s important not to overwater. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage and allow the soil to dry out between watering.

Benefits:

Culinary Herb:
Russian Tarragon is widely used in cooking for its bold, anise-like flavor. It pairs well with chicken, fish, eggs, and vegetables, as well as in sauces, dressings, and marinades. It can also be used to infuse oils, vinegars, and even in herb blends like fines herbes or bouquet garni.

Aromatic Leaves:
The fragrant, narrow leaves of Russian Tarragon are a delight to crush and rub between your fingers, releasing a subtle licorice aroma that enhances the garden’s sensory experience. It’s a wonderful herb for adding a fragrant touch to the garden or herb container.

Attracts Pollinators:
Russian Tarragon’s small, yellow-green flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to support a pollinator-friendly garden.

Low Maintenance:
This herb is relatively easy to grow and care for, especially compared to its more finicky French cousin. Once established, Russian Tarragon requires minimal maintenance and can thrive in dry, poor soils.

Medicinal Uses:
Historically, Russian Tarragon has been used in traditional medicine for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Tarragon tea is said to help with digestion and can soothe minor stomach ailments. However, it is most commonly used as a culinary herb rather than for medicinal purposes.

Growing Zones:
Russian Tarragon is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-9, making it adaptable to a variety of climates. It is a hardy herb that can survive mild winters in the ground but may die back in colder climates during harsh winters. It can be grown year-round in warmer zones and harvested fresh throughout the growing season.

How to Use in the Garden:

Herb Gardens:
Russian Tarragon is a perfect addition to an herb garden, where it can be grown alongside other hardy herbs such as thyme, oregano, and rosemary. It can also be grown in containers, where its upright, bushy habit adds vertical interest.

Groundcover and Border Planting:
Due to its bushy growth habit, Russian Tarragon can be used as a low-maintenance groundcover or border plant. Its dense foliage helps prevent weed growth while providing flavor and fragrance to your garden.

Pollinator Gardens:
Plant Russian Tarragon in a pollinator-friendly garden to attract bees and butterflies. Its small flowers contribute to the diversity of nectar sources, promoting a healthy ecosystem.

Container Gardening:
Russian Tarragon grows well in containers, making it an excellent option for small gardens, balconies, or patios. Growing it in a pot also helps to keep it contained if you’re in a region where it might spread too aggressively.

Companion Planting:
Russian Tarragon pairs well with other herbs like basil, parsley, and mint. It can also be planted near vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers, where its strong aroma may help deter pests like aphids.

Conclusion:
Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a hardy and flavorful herb that offers a robust, slightly bitter taste perfect for a variety of culinary uses. It’s an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance herb that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for a wide range of garden types, from herb gardens to xeriscaping. Russian Tarragon is particularly valued for its adaptability and ability to withstand drought, providing a reliable source of flavor year after year. Whether you’re looking to add a unique twist to your cooking, attract pollinators to your garden, or simply enjoy a fragrant herb that requires little care, Russian Tarragon is a versatile and rewarding choice for any gardener.