Popular herb with a pleasant aniseed flavour. Produces lush, green foliage with clusters of white ...Popular herb with a pleasant aniseed flavour. Produces lush, green foliage with clusters of white flowers in summer. Add flavour to chicken and fish dishes. Ideal herb for container planting. Hardy perennial plant that thrives in full sun. A versatile herb with a strong, distinct aniseed flavour that is popular in French cooking. Often used with fish, pork, beef, poultry, game, potatoes, tomatoes, vegetables and in sauces. Best planted in pots and tubs and then placed in a sunny position, where it thrives. Provides year-round interest with its upright stems and long smooth foliage.
This Tarragon Plant is ideal for home cooks and gardeners looking to add a distinct aniseed flavor to their dishes. It offers lush foliage and white summer flowers, making it a versatile addition to culinary creations, particularly French cuisine. A minor caveat is its need for full sun to thrive, making placement crucial for optimal growth.
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Model Part Number
10805544
Brand
Marshalls Garden
Extended Product Information
FAQs
How do I harvest Tarragon leaves?
Harvest leaves by snipping off stems as needed. For best flavor, harvest in the morning after the dew has dried.
Can Tarragon be grown indoors?
Tarragon requires a significant amount of direct sunlight, making indoor growing challenging unless you have a very bright, sunny windowsill or use grow lights.
What is the difference between French Tarragon and Russian Tarragon?
French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus 'Sativa') has the superior, distinct aniseed flavor sought after in cooking. Russian Tarragon has a weaker flavor and is often used ornamentally.
How long does a Tarragon plant live?
As a hardy perennial, Tarragon can live for many years, typically 5-10 years or more, with proper care and maintenance.
Does Tarragon need to be divided?
While not strictly necessary, dividing the plant every 3-4 years can help maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding, especially if grown in a large container or garden bed.
Can I dry Tarragon for later use?
Yes, Tarragon can be dried, but it tends to lose some of its characteristic flavor. Freezing chopped leaves in ice cube trays with a little water or oil is often a better way to preserve its flavor.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves
This can be due to overwatering or insufficient sunlight. Check soil moisture and ensure the plant is in a sunny location.
Leggy growth
The plant may not be receiving enough sunlight. Move to a sunnier spot. Regular pruning can also encourage bushier growth.
Plant not thriving in a pot
Ensure the pot has adequate drainage and is using good quality compost. Check if the plant has outgrown its current pot and may need repotting.
Pest infestation (e.g., aphids)
Wash pests off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Adds a unique and popular aniseed flavor to meals.
Suitable for both experienced cooks and beginners.
Easy to grow in containers, ideal for limited space.
Perennial nature means it regrows annually.
Provides visual interest with foliage and flowers.
Cons
Requires a location with full sun exposure.
Specific planting and care may be needed to maintain optimal flavor.
Can spread if planted directly in the ground, requiring containment.
May not be suitable for very shaded gardens.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Choose a pot or container with drainage holes.
Use a good quality, well-draining compost.
Gently remove the plant from its nursery pot, taking care not to damage the roots.
Place the plant in the pot, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the compost surface.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Compatibility:
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight per day).
Companions: Can be grown with many common herbs and vegetables, but ensure adequate spacing and sunlight for all.
Care:
Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Feeding: Generally does not require heavy feeding. A light application of a balanced liquid fertilizer in spring can be beneficial.
Pruning: Trim back the plant as needed to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. Remove any flowering stems if you wish to focus energy on leaf production. Cut back in late autumn.
Overwintering: As a hardy perennial, it can withstand winter conditions. In colder climates, provide a layer of mulch around the base or bring containerized plants into a sheltered location.