Russian Tarragon — Artemisia dracunculus

A hardy, vigorous perennial herb with slender green leaves and an attractive, upright growth habit.

Russian tarragon is an easy-growing member of the tarragon family, valued for its resilience, fresh foliage and ability to thrive in conditions that can challenge more delicate herbs.

Unlike the intensely aromatic French tarragon, Russian tarragon has a much milder flavour, making it a useful herb for gardeners who enjoy experimenting with fresh herbs in the kitchen.

Why I Grow It

I enjoy growing herbs that are productive, resilient and useful in different parts of the garden.

Russian tarragon is particularly appealing because it's hardy, vigorous and easy to establish from seed.

My young plants are already beginning to send out side shoots, which gives you a lovely indication of how readily they grow.

It's a useful addition to a mixed herb garden, particularly where you want a perennial that doesn't demand constant attention.

In the Kitchen

Russian tarragon has a mild, slightly grassy flavour with much less of the distinctive aniseed character associated with French tarragon.

Its young leaves can be used fresh in salads, herb mixtures, dressings and marinades, particularly alongside stronger-flavoured herbs.

Try finely chopping tender young leaves into a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice and mustard.

Because its flavour is relatively subtle, Russian tarragon is generally best used fresh rather than dried.

A little note about tarragon: French tarragon is the traditional choice for classic tarragon sauces and dishes. Russian tarragon is a different, milder plant, so it's worth choosing according to the flavour you're looking for.

In the Garden

Russian tarragon is a hardy herbaceous perennial that forms an upright clump of slender stems and narrow leaves.

As it establishes, it can spread through underground shoots, gradually forming a larger patch.

It's well suited to herb gardens, sunny borders and productive gardens where its vigorous growth can be accommodated.

Mature height: Approximately 60–120 cm
Spread: Approximately 45–90 cm or more over time
Flowering: Small, inconspicuous flowers in late summer or autumn
Growth habit: Upright, spreading herbaceous perennial

Care

• Position: Full sun.

• Soil: Well-draining soil; tolerates relatively poor soil once established.

• Planting: Plant into a sunny garden bed or generous container.

• Spacing: Approximately 45–60 cm between plants.

• Watering: Water regularly while establishing, then during extended dry periods.

• Feeding: Minimal feeding is generally required.

• Harvesting: Pick tender young leaves and shoot tips during the growing season.

• Pruning: Trim stems to encourage fresh growth and cut back old stems after they die down.

• Spreading: Allow room for underground shoots or grow in a container to restrict its spread.

• Winter: Foliage may die back in winter before fresh shoots emerge in spring.

What You'll Receive

One pot containing one healthy, seed-grown Russian tarragon plant, already beginning to develop side shoots.

A hardy young perennial ready to grow on in a sunny herb garden or container.