Tarragon Seeds

Add some organic tarragon to your garden

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Tarragon Seeds - Grow Organic

 

Tarragon Seeds: A Guide to Growing and Cultivating Your Own

Add a unique flavor to your garden with our tarragon seeds! Known for its distinct, aromatic leaves, tarragon is a must-have herb for any kitchen garden. Shop our premium tarragon seeds and learn how easy it is to grow this flavorful herb at home, perfect for enhancing your culinary creations.

Introduction to Tarragon Seeds

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a perennial herb that belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae. There are two main varieties of tarragon: Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides) and French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa). French tarragon is the most prized for culinary purposes due to its superior flavor, while Russian tarragon is less flavorful and often considered inferior.

Characteristics of Tarragon Seeds

Tarragon seeds are small and dark, typically measuring around 1-2 mm in length. They have a distinctive oblong shape and are often mistaken for grass seeds. Tarragon seeds have a tough outer coat that requires scarification or stratification to improve germination rates. While they can be propagated from stem cuttings or root divisions, growing tarragon from seeds is a cost-effective way to establish a new plant.

Growing Conditions for Tarragon

Tarragon thrives in specific growing conditions, and understanding these requirements is essential for successful cultivation.

  1. Sunlight: Tarragon prefers full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant it in a sunny spot in your garden or use containers that can be moved to maximize sunlight exposure.

  2. Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial for tarragon's growth. Sandy or loamy soil with good drainage is ideal. Tarragon does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

  3. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

  4. Temperature: Tarragon is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. It thrives in cooler temperatures but can tolerate some heat if provided with adequate moisture.

  5. Spacing: Plant tarragon seeds or seedlings about 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding.

Planting Tarragon Seeds

Now that you understand the growing conditions, it's time to plant your tarragon seeds.

  1. Seed Preparation: To enhance germination rates, scarify the tarragon seeds by gently rubbing them with sandpaper or soaking them in warm water for 24 hours. This helps break the tough seed coat.

  2. Sowing Depth: Plant tarragon seeds 1/4 inch deep in the prepared soil. Ensure proper spacing between each seed.

  3. Germination: Tarragon seeds can take 2-4 weeks to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist during this period to support germination.

  4. Transplanting: Once the seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, transplant them into their permanent location, maintaining the recommended spacing.

Caring for Tarragon Plants

To ensure healthy tarragon growth, follow these care guidelines:

  1. Pruning: Regularly trim tarragon to encourage bushy growth. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves.

  2. Fertilization: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to provide essential nutrients. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can negatively impact flavor.

  3. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and control weeds.

  4. Overwintering: Tarragon is deciduous, and its growth may slow in the winter. Consider mulching and covering the plant in colder regions to protect it from freezing temperatures.

Harvesting and Using Tarragon

French tarragon is at its best when harvested just before flowering. Snip the leaves and stems with sharp scissors or shears. Tarragon leaves can be used fresh or dried for culinary purposes, adding a distinctive anise-like flavor to salads, sauces, and various dishes.

In Summary

Growing tarragon from seeds can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavor of this herb in your culinary endeavors. By understanding the characteristics of tarragon seeds and providing the right growing conditions, you can cultivate a thriving tarragon plant that enhances your cooking and gardening experience.

FAQs: Annie's Perennials

What are perennial plants?

Perennial plants live for more than two growing seasons. If properly cared for, they will return year after year with consistent bloom times to add color and diversity to your garden.

What is the difference between annuals and perennials?

The key difference between annuals and perennials is their lifespan. Annuals live for one growing season, although some of our annual plants do re-seed, thereby prolonging their benefits past a single season. Perennial plants and perennial flowers persist for several years, returning year after year, every growing season. Another difference is that true annuals will bloom throughout the entire season; whereas, perennials may bloom intermittently during or between seasons.

What are the benefits of growing perennials?

Perennial plants and flowers provide lasting beauty and structure to your garden. They have specific seasonal bloom times that remain consistent year after year, ensuring vibrant color for your garden throughout the seasons. Perennials also contribute to biodiversity and help the overall environment. Their deep root systems help prevent soil erosion and retain nutrients, while also sequestering carbon. Planting lots of different perennials with varied bloom times ensures consistent, reliable food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial wildlife.

When should I buy perennials to plant?

The ideal time to plant perennials is spring or early fall. This allows them to establish their root system before extreme weather.

How do I care for perennial plants?

In general, Perennials need watering, occasional fertilization, and deadheading to encourage repeat blooming. The specific care needs can vary by type. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer many native and low water, low-maintenance perennials to make planting and caring for them easy. We want to make gardening success attainable for everyone.

Can you plant perennials in pots or containers?

Yes! We have hundreds of perennial plants that work well in containers as well as in garden beds. Just make sure your pot size is adequate for the root system of your particular plant.

Do perennials require full sun?

Some perennials prefer full sun, which typically means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Other varieties require full or partial shade. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer you many options for both shade and sun plants to fit every gardening need.

Do perennials attract pollinators and wildlife?

Yes! Perennials, with their reliable bloom times, are valuable additions to a pollinator-friendly garden. They provide consistent food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other beneficial wildlife. Planting many different perennials with varied bloom times will attract and feed pollinators throughout all of the seasons.

What are some popular perennial flowers?

Some common perennials include <strong>Yarrow</strong> (Achillea millefolium), </strong>African daisies</strong> (Arctotis) </strong>Butterfly Bush</strong> (Buddleja davidii), <strong>Campanula, Dahlia, Delphiniums, Peonies (Paeonia), Roses (Rosa), Irises, and Coneflowers</strong> (Echinacea). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost hundreds and hundreds of popular perennials – like the ones previously mentioned, along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we also offer many more perennials that are quite unusual and hard to find

What are hardy perennials?

Hardy perennials are perennial plants that grow for multiple seasons and can survive very cold weather in their growing zones. For this reason, hardy perennial plants are the perfect plant selection for any garden.

Do perennials come back every year?

Yes, if planted and cared for properly, perennials will return year after year. At Annie’s, we offer hundreds of perennials that are perfect beginner plants– easy to grow and easy to care for - so everyone can garden successfully.

What are different types of perennials?

Flowering Perennials: Are known for vibrant, consistent and long-lasting blooms. Examples include peonies (Paenonia), roses (Rosa), coneflowers (Echinaea), Abutilon, Alstroemeria, african daisy (Arctotis), foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), carnations (dianthus), geraniums, sages (Salvia), Strawflowers (helichrysum bracteatum), hollyhocks and impatiens, among many others.

Foliage Perennials: Are known for their striking, colorful foliage. Hostas, heucheras, and ornamental grasses are some common varieties.

Shade-Loving Perennials: Thrive in low-light or partial shade conditions. Examples include astilbes, ferns, and bleeding hearts (dicentras). Some of our favorite shade perennials at Annie’s are Begonias, Fuchsias, Sedges, Hellebores, Heucheras, and Impatiens.

Sun-loving perennials: Thrive in full sun conditions (meaning full sun for at least 6 hours per day). Some common examples of sun-loving perennials are lavender (Lavandula), sage (Salvia), African daisy (Arctotis), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost one thousand sun-loving perennials – like the ones previously mentioned along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

Herbaceous Perennials: These are perennial plants that die back to the ground each Fall or Winter, but whose roots remain alive and send up new growth and reemerge in the Spring or Summer. They include a variety of flowers and foliage, like columbines (Aquilegia), delphiniums, foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), and Iris.

Woody Perennials: These are shrubs and small trees that persist for many years, bringing useful structure and seasonal blooms to your garden. Examples include hydrangeas, California lilac (Ceanothus), fuchsias, and butterfly bushes (Buddleja).

Native Perennials: are well-suited to specific regions and often need less maintenance and human intervention. California native plant species might include yarrow (Achillea), California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), milkweed (Asclepias), monkey flowers (Mimulus), and some sages (Salvias), depending on your location. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer one of the largest selections of CA native perennials to be found anywhere.

Long-Blooming Perennials: Have extended blooming periods and can include varieties like Alstroemeria, Abutilon (Flowering Maples), African daisies (Actotis), Agastache, coreopsis, yarrow (Achillea), and sages (Salvias).

Drought-Tolerant Perennials: Can withstand periods of dry conditions and need less watering. Examples include lavender (Lavandula), yarrow (Achillea), sedum (stonecrop), Agastache, Aloe, milkweed (Asclepias), and some sages (Salvias).

Deer-resistant Perennials: Have characteristics that make them less appealing to deer. Options include yarrow (Achillea), lambs' ears (Stachys byzantine), Agastache, and some ornamental sages (Salvia).

Perennial Bulbs: Some perennials grow from bulbs, including favorites like tulips, daffodils, freesias, ranunculus, and irises. They return year after year, adding color to your garden each spring.

Climbing Perennials: Perennial vines like clematis and wisteria add vertical interest to your garden, climbing trellises, arbors, and fences.