Tarragon French 12cm Pot

Description

French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus ‘Sativa’) is an aromatic perennial herb treasured in classic French cuisine for its delicate, anise-like flavor. Native to parts of Europe and Asia, this variety sets itself apart with its refined taste and smooth texture, making it a go-to ingredient for everything from sauces and dressings to soups and roasted dishes. It’s often praised as a staple in the French herb mixture known as “Fines Herbes,” alongside parsley, chives, and chervil.

Growing to a height of about 40 to 60 centimeters, French Tarragon features slender, slightly arching stems lined with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. These leaves are glossy green on top and lighter underneath, releasing their sweet aroma when gently rubbed. Because it’s not typically grown from seeds (most seeds available are for Russian tarragon, which lacks the same flavor), French Tarragon is generally propagated from cuttings or divisions. This ensures you get the authentic variety known for its superior taste.

When it comes to light requirements, French Tarragon does best in full sun to partial shade, needing at least four to six hours of direct sunlight each day. Providing well-draining soil is crucial, as the plant dislikes standing water and overly moist conditions. If you live in a region with heavy or clay soils, consider using raised beds or containers filled with a high-quality potting mix. Water moderately, letting the top inch of soil dry before the next watering session. Overwatering can lead to root issues, so err on the side of slightly drier conditions.

Culinarily, French Tarragon imparts a mildly sweet, licorice-like taste to dishes. Its flavor blends wonderfully with ingredients like chicken, fish, eggs, and creamy sauces, adding a subtle sophistication. Chop or mince the leaves to release their full fragrance, then stir them into vinaigrettes, béarnaise sauce, or herb butters for a gourmet touch. Thanks to its warm, uplifting scent, French Tarragon also pairs nicely with lemon, garlic, and other fresh herbs, creating a fragrant bouquet that heightens a recipe’s complexity.

For ongoing care, trim the plant back after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. You can also harvest the leaves throughout the growing season—just snip what you need, and the plant will keep producing fresh stems. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or an herb aficionado, French Tarragon brings a refined flavor and charming presence to any herb garden or kitchen windowsill.