Russian Tarragon [Artemisia dracunculus]

The perennial russian tarragon is a hardy aromatic, medicinal and spice plant that was used as a scented oil in ancient Egypt and is valued in herbal medicine for its appetite-stimulating, digestive, diuretic, calming and analgesic effects. Ideal for direct sowing or for common cultivation, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvest the leaves.

 Description 
Russian tarragon is a hardy, perennial aromatic, medicinal and spice plant. In ancient Egypt, the species was used as a fragrance oil, and today the medicinal plant is also valued in herbal medicine for its appetite-stimulating, digestive, diuretic, calming and analgesic properties. The plant can grow up to one meter tall and its aroma increases with age. The narrow, shiny leaves have a bittersweet, slightly peppery taste with an aniseed note and are ideal for drying.
The culture is uncomplicated and thrives in almost all soils.

 General information 
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 120 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -10°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, sandy, loamy, humus

pH value: 6 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-24 °C
Germination time: 7-28 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x40 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Cucumber, Sage, Chives, Thyme, Lovage, Beans, Peas, Spinach, Lettuce
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. Pre-cultivation in pots is also advisable.
Russian tarragon ideally prefers a soil that is nutrient-poor, moderately dry, permeable, sandy and contains loam and humus. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or cuttings.

 Plant care 
Water only moderately, it does not thrive in soil that is too moist. No care or fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Artemisia dracunculus
English names: Russian Tarragon
German names: Russischer Estragon, Escadronkraut, Dragon, Drachenkraut
Portuguese names: Estragão russo
Spanish names: Estragón ruso
French names: Estragon russe

 Origin 
Country: Portugal