A French Tarragon Plant brings the refined flavour of classic French cooking into the home garden. Its slender leaves offer a distinctive anise-like taste.
French Tarragon Plant for the Kitchen
The accepted botanical name is Artemisia dracunculus L. Common names include Tarragon, French Tarragon, Russian Tarragon, Wild Tarragon, Estragon, Dragon Herb, Dragon’s Wort, Silky Wormwood and Green Sagewort.
However, French tarragon represents the finely flavoured culinary form of this diverse species. Compared to its Russian counterpart, its aromatic leaves taste sweeter, smoother and more complex. Consequently, this difference makes it especially valuable to cooks.
Use the fresh leaves to season salads, soups, sauces, vegetables and meat dishes. For example, they pair particularly well with chicken, fish, eggs and potatoes. Additionally, tarragon gives traditional béarnaise sauce its unmistakable character.
The leaves flavour vinegar beautifully and add depth to herb butter or salad dressing. To preserve their delicate aroma, add them near the end of cooking. Alternatively, you can also dry or freeze a small harvest for later use.
For gardeners interested in comparing flavours, consider growing it alongside our
Russian Tarragon Plant. In this way, each has a distinct place in the herb garden.
Growing a French Tarragon Plant
This perennial herb develops into a neat clump around 60 cm tall and 30 cm wide. In addition, narrow green leaves create a soft, graceful appearance. Clusters of tiny yellowish-white flowers may appear in summer.
Choose an open, sunny position with freely draining soil. However, avoid sites that remain wet after rain, as the roots prefer good aeration. Once established, the plant handles dry conditions and frost well.
Regular harvesting encourages fresh, leafy growth throughout the warmer months. Similarly, divide mature clumps when needed to renew the plant and create additional plants.
Fragrance, History and Traditional Uses
Tarragon has seasoned European food for centuries, earning a particularly treasured place in French cuisine. Moreover, the name “Dragon Herb” reflects an old association between its twisting roots and dragons.
Traditional herbal practices applied a leaf poultice for toothache. Additionally, aromatherapy preparations have also used tarragon essential oil. As a result, these historical uses remain part of the herb’s long cultural story.
Your French Tarragon Plant arrives through Australia Post in a carefully packed box. When you open it, you will discover its exquisite fragrance. Finally, choose from two available sizes in our online store and begin harvesting at home.
