How to Grow Russian Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculoides
Russian Tarragon is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial herb thriving in cool seasons across USDA zones 2 through 8. Gardeners prize its unique anise-like flavor for culinary use, noting excellent disease resistance and ease of growth from seed to harvest.
📷 Wikipedia: TarragonStarting Russian Tarragon: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Russian Tarragon is not usually started indoors.
Direct sow seeds outdoors in cool weather once soil temperatures are suitable, avoiding transplanting seedlings unless necessary.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0 before sowing. As a cool-season perennial, sow seeds directly outdoors or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Press seeds gently into the soil surface without covering them deeply, as they require light for germination. Expect sprouts in 14 to 21 days under proper conditions.
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and airflow. This herb grows up to four feet tall but generally requires no trellising unless grown in very windy spots. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between sessions once established, as it tolerates drought well. Apply a light layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds without smothering roots.
Occasional aphids may appear; spray with water or insecticidal soap if needed. Avoid root rot by ensuring soil drains freely and never letting it sit waterlogged. Harvest leaves or stems when the plant reaches maturity, typically within 60 to 90 days after sowing. Snip regularly to encourage bushier growth and maintain flavor intensity throughout the season.
When to Plant Russian Tarragon
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 2 | April – May | — | August – September |
| Zone 3 | April – May | — | July – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | — | July – October |
| Zone 5 | March – April | — | June – October |
| Zone 6 | March – April | — | June – November |
| Zone 7 | February – March | — | June – November |
| Zone 8 | February – March | — | May – December |
Companion Plants for Russian Tarragon
✓ Good companions
Beans fix nitrogen in soil which benefits tarragon, while tarragon repels bean beetles
Repels cabbage moths and other brassica pests with its aromatic compounds
Tarragon helps deter carrot fly while carrots don't compete for nutrients
Provides pest protection for eggplants while both thrive in similar warm conditions
Provides natural pest control for lettuce without competing for space or nutrients
Both plants repel similar pests and complement each other's pest control properties
Tarragon's strong scent deters pepper pests like aphids and spider mites
Russian tarragon repels aphids and other pests that commonly attack tomatoes
✗ Keep away from
Releases juglone toxin that stunts or kills tarragon and other sensitive plants
Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of tarragon and most other herbs
Aggressive spreading nature competes heavily for nutrients and can overwhelm tarragon
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
