Tarragon

[Containergardener]

Anyone grow Tarragon and have success? If so what type and where do you grow it(inside /outside)?

[Florence Fennel]

I had a large clump of Russian tarragon outside CG - transplanted from my brother's allotments. It thrived for years.

[Snoop Puss]

My understanding is that Russian tarragon is the only one you can grow from seed. French tarragon can only be cultivated from root cuttings or by dividing an existing plant, as it doesn't produce flowers, meaning no seeds. Supposedly, French tarragon is finer in flavour, but I couldn't say from personal experience, having never tried it. A friend of mine had some but was so proud of it, she never cooked with it. A bit counter-productive really.

Like most herbs, it likes dry conditions. Good soil not a necessity. So no molly-coddling required so long as you can provide it with a sunny spot.

[greenishfing]

I tried to grow French Tarragon several times from garden centre plants in my allotment. They just died.

I bought yet another plant. I planted it in my greenhouse. Success! It thrives.

[Containergardener]

Thanks I will see if i can find some russian seeds, then try in the gh, I havn't seen any in our gc's before greenishfing.

[greenishfing]

French tarragon can only be grown from cuttings but anywhere that sells little herb plants tends to sell it, and online too. It is the nicest tasting. After a few years you need to split the plant.

[Containergardener]

Funny enough I've just had an email off marshslls about free delivery on seeds, looking through I noticed you can order French tarragon plugs

[Vince G]

Russian tarragon has little flavour in my opinion, French is far better, but I've never managed to over-winter a plant yet, despite all manner of precautions!

[Containergardener]

Russian tarragon has little flavour in my opinion, French is far better, but I've never managed to over-winter a plant yet, despite all manner of precautions!

I wonder if would over winter in the house? Have you tried that too?

[Vince G]

I wonder if would over winter in the house? Have you tried that too?

Yep tried that, didn't survive. Might be the central heating creating too dry an atmosphere maybe....

[Containergardener]

Bought some little plugs, potted them on today

[Containergardener]

Well , i abandoned my tarragon in pots that had been in the gh. The foliage had died and I assumed they had had it. Well no, it's growing from the base , new shoots.

[peanut]

I bought a couple of pots of French tarragon last year, they are currently in a tub along with other soft herbs outside, under fleece. I don't know if they have survived yet...

[Containergardener]

It's been very cold at times in my gh and they've just sat on staging. Hope yours are OK.

[peanut]

Thanks Containergardener I shall make sure to check right down at the base for any signs of life.