How to Grow Russian Tarragon

Russian Tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus var. inodora

herb

Russian tarragon is a hardy perennial herb with narrow, lance-shaped green leaves and a mild, slightly sweet anise-like flavor. Unlike French tarragon, it is more vigorous, cold-hardy, and produces viable seeds. It is commonly used in cooking, though with a less refined taste than its French counterpart.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily

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Water: Moderate; allow soil to dry between waterings. Water deeply but infrequently. Once established, quite drought-tolerant. Reduce watering in winter.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-90 days to first harvest; ready for regular cutting in 2-3 months

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Planting depth: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep or transplant seedlings at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Perlite or sand for drainage Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; extremely cold-hardy

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Seed/Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with threadlike cotyledons. Growth is slow initially compared to other herbs.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide warmth (70-75°F) and good light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Plant develops bushy foliage with narrow, lance-shaped bright green leaves. Stems become woody and upright.

Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Ensure adequate light. Begin light harvesting once plant is 6-8 inches tall.

Established Plant

Ongoing (perennial)

Mature plant forms a dense mound of aromatic foliage, typically 24-36 inches tall. Leaves reach full flavor potential.

Regular harvesting promotes fuller growth. Deadhead any small greenish flowers to extend vegetative life and concentrate flavor in leaves.

Flowering (if allowed)

August-September

Small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers appear in late summer on tall flowering stalks. Plant may set viable seeds.

Flower production diverts energy from foliage. Remove flowers to maintain leaf flavor and vigor. Allow some flowers to set seed if propagation is desired.

Winter Dormancy

November-March (varies by zone)

Above-ground foliage dies back completely; plant appears inactive. Roots remain alive underground.

Cut back dead stems to soil level in late fall. Mulch with 2-3 inches of compost or straw for winter protection. Reduce watering significantly.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Chervil Parsley Thyme Marjoram Chamomile Fennel Basil

Avoid planting near:

Fennel (inhibits growth of nearby plants) Cabbage family plants (in very close proximity, though minimal competition) Rue

Common Pests

Spray with water to increase humidity; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Improve air circulation.
Spray with strong water spray; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering. Remove affected plant parts. Apply fungicide if necessary.

Uses

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Seasoning for fish and poultry

Culinary

Russian tarragon leaves add a subtle anise-like flavor to fish, chicken, and egg dishes. While milder than French tarragon, it can be used in larger quantities in sauces, marinades, and dressings. [source]

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Vinegars and preserves

Culinary

Fresh sprigs can be infused into vinegar or used in pickling to impart subtle herbal notes. Commonly used in French cuisine for béarnaise and tarragon vinegar. [source]

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Digestive and appetite stimulant

Medicinal

Traditionally used in herbal medicine to stimulate appetite and improve digestion. An infusion of fresh leaves may aid with indigestion and gastric discomfort, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

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Dried herb arrangements and potpourri

Household

Dried Russian tarragon retains its subtle aroma and can be included in dried herb arrangements, sachets, or potpourri blends for a gentle herbal fragrance. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Small flowers attract beneficial insects including bees and hover flies, supporting the garden ecosystem and providing natural pest control. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting individual leaves or sprigs once the plant is 6-8 inches tall. Pinch or cut stems just above leaf nodes to encourage bushiness. For larger harvests, cut stems back by one-third to one-half in mid-summer. Best flavor occurs before flowering. Harvest in early morning after dew dries for best essential oil content. Leaves can be used fresh or dried; dry by hanging bundles in a cool, airy location for 1-2 weeks, then strip leaves and store in airtight containers.

Fun Facts

🌱 Russian tarragon is hardier and more seed-productive than French tarragon, making it ideal for cold climates, though French tarragon is preferred by cooks for its superior flavor.
🌱 The name 'tarragon' derives from the Arabic word 'tarkhon,' meaning 'little dragon,' possibly because the root system resembles a dragon or because it was believed to cure dragon bites.
🌱 Russian tarragon is a sterile or nearly sterile variety of Artemisia that is often propagated by seed, unlike true French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa), which must be propagated by division or cuttings.

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