Russian Tarragon Seeds

Artemisia dracunculus (Russian variety) is an exceptionally Hardy Perennial (H7). Native to the vast, cold steppes of Siberia and Central Asia, it is virtually indestructible in the UK climate, surviving temperatures well below -20°C.

French vs. Russian: It is important to know the difference. French Tarragon is sterile (cannot be grown from seed) and often dies in wet UK soil. Russian Tarragon is much taller, more robust, and produces viable seeds. While its aniseed flavour is milder and more "grassy" than the French type, it is far easier to maintain and provides a much more generous harvest.

Growth Habit: This variety grows into a large, shrubby mound of linear mid-green leaves. It spreads via underground rhizomes but is not invasive like mint, making it a reliable and manageable addition to a perennial herb border.

Russian Tarragon is robust and thrives on neglect, but it does require light to germinate.

How to Sow:
Sow indoors from March to May. Scatter the seeds on the surface of moist, free-draining seed compost and do not cover them—they need light to wake up. Keep them at a steady 15-20°C and you should see seedlings in 14-21 days. Transplant into the garden in late spring once all risk of frost has passed.

Where to Plant:
Tarragon prefers a spot in full sun but will tolerate partial shade beautifully. It actually performs better in poor, dry soil; in overly rich ground, it can grow too tall and become "floppy."  Ensure drainage is excellent, as while it is cold-hardy, it dislikes sitting in waterlogged soil during winter.

Ongoing Care:
The Mid-Summer Trim: To keep the foliage tender and the flavour fresh, cut the plant back by half in July. This stimulates a fresh flush of soft green leaves for late summer use. In late autumn, cut the entire plant back to 5-10cm above the soil to keep the area tidy over winter.

Russian Tarragon is big and leafy, so pair it with other robust sun-lovers from our collection :

• 🍃 Peppermint: The Herb Garden Giants. Both Peppermint and Russian Tarragon are vigorous, leafy spreaders. They can hold their own against each other in a "wild herb" corner where more delicate plants might get smothered.
• 🌼 Calendula 'Art Shades': The Colour Pop. The soft apricot and vintage orange of this Calendula mix provide a stunning visual contrast against the lush, mid-green foliage of the Tarragon.

Sow indoors in spring for fresh, tender leaves from May until the first frosts.