FRENCH TARRAGON – Artemisia dracunculus

Although a little more tricky to grow, French tarragon is a must for any culinary enthusiasts, and those who particularly love French cuisine.

With its aromatic, sweet anise scent and liquorice flavour, French tarragon is considered the finest variety of tarragon in the kitchen. It is particularly delicious when paired with chicken, and can also be used to flavour vinegars and oils, as well as make a béarnaise sauce.

How to grow...

• Although a perennial, it can rot out in wet regions and overly saturated soils, so be careful to plant in drier soils and not over water.
• Plant in fertile soil, where it can receive warmth and a good amount of sunlight, and the herb will provide an abundance of shoots.
• As French tarragon rarely flowers, and thus has limited seed production, it cannot be grown from seed and must instead by raised by root division.
• Divide the plants in spring to retain the health of the plant, and replant the herbs every two to three years.