Herb - French Tarragon

The French Tarragon, 'Artemesia dranunculus sativa', cannot be easily purchased. To obtain French Tarragon, you need to obtain plants or to use cuttings. French Tarragon has a spicy anise flavor that turns ordinary main dishes into masterpieces. Tarragon goes well with meat and vegetables and is a top choice in any hearty recipe. This herb reaches a height of 2 feet with an 18 inch spread. To use Tarragon in cooking, chop the leaves very fine to extract the flavor for cream sauces and béarnaise sauce. Add it to tuna or chicken salads, eggs and quiches, mayonnaises, and mustard salad dressings. It makes a wonderful flavored butter and can be combined with dill and parsley for fish. Protect your tarragon from harsh winters by mulching with shredded bark. Cut the plant back to the ground in spring, remove dead stems, and trim to shape. The plant also should be divided every 3 to 4 years. French Tarragon likes life on the dry side with plenty of sun. The soil should be well drained and watering should be thorough. Keep a good supply of fresh tips for cooking by cutting it back to the ground several times during the growing season. French Tarragon also makes a good choice for growing in a pot. ... additional info