Herb Seeds, Tarragon

Discover Tarragon Herb Seeds, a versatile perennial herb (Artemisia Dracunculus). This heirloom plant grows in 85 days in zones 4-9, reaching a height of 36-48 inches. Space each plant 24-30 inches apart and use its narrow, pale leaves and small green flowers for culinary and medicinal purposes.

Known as Little Dragon, this perennial grows from Tarragon seeds and it thrives in hot, barren soils. Tarragon Little Dragon is a tough herb plant. It is native to northwestern United States, Russia and Asia, and it is closely related to sagebrush. It is both a medicinal herb as well as a popular culinary herb. Tarragon plants can reach 60 inches in height, and they have thin, blade-like leaves that are wonderfully aromatic with a sweet anise-like flavor. In late summer, Tarragon produces white, rather droopy flowers.
Tarragon is highly used in French cooking. It flavors vinegar, fish, meats, vegetables, cheese and sauces. The leaves can be used in cooking both fresh and dried. Medically, Tarragon herb is used in teas to stimulate digestion and ease intestinal distension.
How To Grow Tarragon From Herb Seeds: It is recommended to start Tarragon seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Press the herb seeds into the soil and lightly cover with soil. Transplant the young herb plants outdoors after temperatures warm up. 

Sowing: Start the seed indoors about a month before the last frost, thinly sowing on the surface of a flat; keep the temperature at 65-70 degrees F and away from direct sunlight until germination. When there is no chance of frost, transplant the seedlings 24-30" apart. Tarragon grows best in dry or well drained soil and full sun or light shade. Direct sowing is possible but somewhat difficult because of the extremely tiny seed. This herb attracts butterflies and bees, as well as repelling harmful insects and deer. Tarragon can be also grown from cuttings or root division, though growing it in a container is not recommended because of the size and sprawling growth habit of the plant.

Growing: Tarragon develops its full flavor when left to itself in dry soil and abundant sunlight. Mature plants tolerate drought very well, and should not be watered unless drought conditions persist. Overwatering can lead to root rot as well as other fungal diseases. For healthy growth, keep the plant trimmed.

Harvesting: Harvest fresh leaves as soon as the plant reaches a height of 6". The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried. Entire stems or the whole plant can also be cut slightly above ground level, since this will encourage new growth. To dry entire stems, cut them off and bundle them; hang them upside down in a dry, dark place for about 2 weeks. Strip the leaves from the stems and store them in a cool, dry place.