Important notes
ingestion of larger amounts by pets: Per ASPCA, toxic to cats, dogs and horses — the essential oils can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and may stress the liver with repeated ingestion. ↗
medicinal/large amounts, pregnancy: Tarragon contains estragole (and some thujone). Fine in culinary amounts — avoid concentrated tarragon oil, very large/medicinal amounts, and large amounts in pregnancy. ↗
Luce
Full sun, warm and sheltered — that gives the strongest flavour. Indoors the brightest spot.
Irrigazione
Water moderately and let the soil dry between waterings. Better too dry than too wet — waterlogging quickly causes root rot.
Temperatura
Grows best at 18–26 °C; hardy, dies back in winter and re-sprouts in spring. French tarragon likes some protection in a cold winter.
Umidità
Drier to normal air (40–60%). No muggy, stagnant air.
Valori target per metodo e fase
| Fase | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Acqua °C | Aria °C | Umidità % | Luce h | Durata (giorni) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetativa | 6.5–7 | — | — | 18–26 | 40–60 | 14 | 90 |
| Fase | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Acqua °C | Aria °C | Umidità % | Luce h | Durata (giorni) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetativa | 5.8–6.5 | 1–1.8 | 18–22 | 18–24 | 40–60 | 14 | 70 |
| Fase | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Acqua °C | Aria °C | Umidità % | Luce h | Durata (giorni) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetativa | 5.8–6.5 | 1–1.8 | 18–22 | 18–24 | 40–60 | 14 | 70 |
Problemi comuni
Root rot from too much water or too rich a soil is the main issue. Too much feeding makes it straggly and less aromatic. Flavour declines if you don't divide it every 2–3 years.
Space & Size
- Final height
- 75 cm
- Final width
- 40 cm
- Spacing
- 45 cm
- Root depth
- 30 cm
- Min. container (Terra)
- ≥ 5 L
- Min. container (DWC)
- ≥ 4 L
Pests & diseases
| Pest / Disease | Symptom | Organic treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | sticky, distorted shoot tips | rinse off, beneficials, neem |
| Whitefly | white flies under leaves, sticky residue | yellow sticky traps, beneficials |
| Root rot | wilting, yellowing shoots in wet soil | water less, ensure sharp drainage — tarragon hates wet feet |
| Powdery mildew | white coating on leaves | improve airflow, avoid overhead watering |
Edible parts
- Leaves · edible from Vegetativa — main harvest — use fresh, flavour fades when dried
Tecniche di resa
Harvest the shoot tips regularly to keep it bushy. Keep it lean and dry for intense flavour. Divide and replant in spring every 2–3 years; cuttings root easily from the shoots.
Propagation & pollination
- Method
- cutting
- Germination time
- 21 days
- Germination temp
- 15-20 °C
- Sowing depth
- 0 cm
- Pollination
- none
- Hand pollination needed
- no
Important: French tarragon is STERILE — propagate only by cuttings or spring division. Any seed on offer is Russian tarragon (hardier but much weaker flavour). Divide every 2–3 years to keep it vigorous.
Companion planting
🟢 Good neighbours: Tomato
Not yet linked: Solanum melongena, Capsicum annuum
Flavor
delicate anise/licorice, sweet with a slight peppery note
Storage
In the fridge wrapped in damp paper; freezes well. Use fresh — drying loses much of the flavour.
History
The name 'dracunculus' means 'little dragon' — for its serpentine roots, once believed to cure bites. Today tarragon is a classic of French cuisine: in fines herbes, sauce béarnaise and tarragon vinegar.
Nutrition
Low in calories; provides some vitamin A and manganese; traditionally stimulates appetite and digestion.
Sources
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