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Artemisia dracunculus

Tarragon

Low Maintenance Fragrant Scent Hardiness H6

Artemisia dracunculus, or French tarragon, is valued for its narrow aromatic leaves and distinctive sweet aniseed flavour. This classic culinary herb grows best in a warm, sunny and sheltered position with sharply drained soil.

SKU: ARTE-11-Y

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Plant Details

Size

Max Height
0.5 m — 1.0 m
Max Spread
0.1 m — 0.5 m
Growth Habit
Tall, narrow growth habit with strongly vertical main stems.

Planting Position

Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
Full Sun
Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
South West
Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
Sheltered
Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
Hardiness H6 (−20 to −15 °C) Very cold-hardy

Ideal Soil Conditions

Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
Loam Sand
Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
Free draining
Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Acid Alkaline Neutral

Plant Uses & Merits

Uses
  • Flower Borders
Merits
  • Drought Resistant
  • Fragrant
  • Generally pest-free
  • Low Maintenance

Artemisia dracunculus Description

Artemisia dracunculus is an upright perennial herb producing narrow, aromatic green leaves with the refined aniseed flavour associated with French cooking. The foliage is used in sauces, vinegars, chicken, fish and egg dishes and is best harvested regularly while young and tender. Small pale yellow flower heads may appear in late summer, although true French tarragon rarely produces viable seed. Grow it in full sun in fertile, sharply drained soil and choose a sheltered position protected from cold winds. Winter wet is the greatest difficulty in many Irish gardens, so raised beds, gravelly soil or containers are often preferable. Cut back old stems after they die down and protect the crown with a dry mulch during cold, wet weather.