Russian Tarragon

Russian Tarragon - Artemisia dracunculus

The hardy and vigorous giant of the herb garden

While French tarragon is renowned for its delicacy, Russian Tarragon is the undisputed champion of hardiness and generosity. This perennial variety is a force of nature, capable of adapting to the harshest climates where its French cousin often gives up. Less anise-like but more herbal, it offers a fresh, slightly bitter, and tonic flavour reminiscent of wild steppe herbs. In the vegetable garden, it is a magnificent structural plant that forms an imposing and robust bush. It is the ideal ally for gardeners who want a "zero-trouble" plant: it fears neither intense frost nor temporary drought. In the kitchen, its leaves flavour vinegars, marinades, or sauces. Growing Russian tarragon means ensuring an inexhaustible reserve of aromatic greenery.

Origins and botanical family

Geographical origin

This plant is native to Siberia and Central Asia. This origin explains its phenomenal ability to withstand temperatures as low as -25°C.

Botanical family

It belongs to the Asteraceae family (formerly Compositae), just like sunflowers, but especially the wormwood genus (Artemisia).

Historical particularities

Its Latin name dracunculus means "little dragon." It was once believed that its root, whose shape resembles a snake, could cure bites from venomous beasts. Unlike French tarragon, which is sterile, Russian tarragon produces fertile seeds.

Botanical description and characteristics

General morphology

Adult height

Russian tarragon is imposing: it easily reaches 1 metre to 1.20 metres in height at the end of the season.

Plant habit

It adopts a bushy and upright habit. Its stems become woody at the base over time, forming a dense clump that widens each year.

Foliage analysis

Description of the leaves

The leaves are narrow, lanceolate, and a matte pale green. They are a bit rougher to the touch than those of the French variety.

Inflorescence

In summer, it produces tiny yellowish or greenish flowers arranged in hanging clusters, very discreet.

Sowing and growing conditions

The sowing process

Period and temperature

Sowing takes place from March to May. The ideal germination temperature is between 15°C and 20°C.

Depth and spacing

Sow seeds on the surface (needs light). Maintain a spacing of 50 to 60 cm between each plant.

Emergence time

Emergence generally occurs between 10 and 20 days after sowing.

Environmental requirements

Recommended soil type

It prefers well-drained soil, even poor or stony. It tolerates chalky soils very well.

Ideal exposure

It appreciates full sun but perfectly tolerates partial shade.

Crop maintenance

Thinning method

Thin out to respect planting distances as soon as the plants reach 10 cm in height.

Water needs

Watering should be regular at the beginning. Once established, it becomes very drought-resistant.

Care and maintenance

Care and protection

Pruning and cleaning

In late autumn, cut the plant back (cut the stems) to 10 cm from the ground. It will sprout vigorously in the spring.

Resistance to pests

It is a healthy plant. Its aromatic scent naturally repels many insects. It only fears excess stagnant humidity.

Harvest

Calendar and methods

Harvest period

Harvesting takes place from spring until the first frosts.

Picking technique

Take the tops of the stems to promote branching.

Storage

It keeps very well by drying or by maceration in vinegar.

Uses in the garden

Layout and associations

Where to install?

Place it at the back of an aromatic bed. Its size can serve as a windbreak for fragile crops.

Beneficial associations

It thrives next to tomatoes and peppers. Avoid the immediate proximity of invasive mint.

Culinary uses

Flavour and cooking

Taste

It has an herbal flavour, less aniseed than the French, but more resistant to cooking.

Ways to cook

Ideal for sauces, marinades, and homemade vinegars.

Ecology, curiosities and assets

Ecological interest

It is a honey plant that attracts hoverflies, precious allies against aphids.

Permaculture cultivation

Its robustness makes it a perfect plant for zones 2 or 3 in permaculture (less maintained zones).

Russian Tarragon is the plant of choice for the pragmatic gardener. Robust, productive and indestructible, it offers a constant source of aromatics without any effort.