Dragon

Artemisia dracunculus

Engels: Tarragon

herbAsteraceaeEetbaar

Dragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a edible herb from the Asteraceae family that grows up to 80cm tall. This plant thrives in full sun and requires low maintenance. Blooms in summer with yellow flowers.

Hoogte

40–80 cm

Breedte

30–40 cm

Zonligging

full sun

Waterbehoefte

low water needs

Grondsoort

sandy soil, loam

Onderhoud

low maintenance

Bloeitijd

summer

Bloemkleuren

yellow

Verzorgingskalender

Taak	Jan	Feb	Mrt	Apr	Mei	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Okt	Nov	Dec
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Care tips

Planting

Tarragon thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for sandy or loam-based ground. It dislikes waterlogged conditions, so if your soil is heavy clay, work in plenty of grit or sharp sand before planting to improve drainage. Choose a warm, sheltered spot where the plant will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily; tarragon grown in shade produces less flavourful foliage. Plant tarragon in April or May once the risk of hard frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm. You can start from young plants or divisions rather than seed, as French tarragon (the culinary variety) rarely sets viable seed and must be propagated vegetatively. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its pot. Space plants 35 cm apart to allow for their mature spread of 30–40 cm. After planting, firm the soil gently around the roots and water in well to settle the plant. Tarragon has low water needs once established, so avoid overwatering from the outset. A light mulch of gravel or fine grit around the base helps keep the crown dry and discourages rot, particularly in wetter climates. Avoid organic mulches like compost, which can retain too much moisture. Tarragon is hardy to zone 5a and will overwinter outdoors in temperate Europe, but good drainage is essential for winter survival. If planting in a container, use a loam-based compost with added grit and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.

Pruning

Tarragon benefits from pruning twice a year to maintain vigour and encourage fresh, aromatic growth. The main pruning session takes place in March, just as new growth begins to emerge in spring. Cut back all the previous year's stems to within 5–8 cm of ground level using clean, sharp secateurs. This hard pruning stimulates a flush of tender new shoots, which have the best flavour for culinary use. Don't be timid—tarragon responds well to being cut back hard and will quickly regenerate. In October, after the growing season has finished, tidy up the plant by removing any dead, damaged, or straggly stems. This autumn prune is lighter than the spring cut; simply trim back untidy growth and clear away any debris around the base to reduce the risk of fungal problems over winter. If your tarragon has flowered during summer (producing small, inconspicuous yellow blooms), pinch out the flower stems as they appear. Flowering diverts energy from leaf production and the foliage becomes less flavourful once the plant sets flower buds. Throughout the growing season, harvest tarragon regularly by snipping off sprigs from the top of the plant. This acts as a form of light pruning, encouraging bushier growth and preventing the stems from becoming too woody. Avoid taking more than one-third of the plant's foliage at any one time. Regular harvesting keeps your tarragon productive and compact, reaching a manageable height of 40–80 cm.

Maintenance

Tarragon is a low-maintenance herb once established, requiring minimal intervention throughout the year. Water sparingly, as this plant has low water needs and is prone to root rot in soggy conditions. During dry spells in summer, water deeply but infrequently—once every ten to fourteen days is usually sufficient. In autumn and winter, natural rainfall should provide all the moisture tarragon needs; avoid watering unless the soil becomes bone-dry during prolonged dry periods. Feed tarragon lightly in April as new growth begins. Apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser or a light dressing of well-rotted compost around the base of the plant. Avoid overfeeding, as too much nitrogen encourages lush but less aromatic foliage. Tarragon grown in reasonably fertile soil often needs no additional feeding at all beyond the initial spring application. Tarragon is fully hardy in zones 5a–9a and will overwinter outdoors without protection in temperate Europe, provided the soil drains well. In very wet winters, consider covering the crown with a cloche or sheet of glass to keep excess moisture off the plant. Mulch with grit rather than organic matter to maintain good drainage around the crown. Pests are rarely a problem, though aphids may occasionally cluster on young shoots in spring; rinse them off with water or squash by hand. Tarragon is more susceptible to fungal issues such as rust or powdery mildew in humid conditions or overcrowded plantings. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Divide congested clumps every three to four years in spring to maintain vigour and prevent the centre from dying out.