Tarragon Russian: A Hardy Herb with Subtle Flavor

Features and Plant Characteristics

The Russian Tarragon is usually cultivated because of its appearance and hardiness rather than its flavor.  

• Lifecycle: It is an evergreen plant, although one tends to consider it as an annual in cold regions with extreme winters.  
• Height: The plant is typically 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm tall).  
• Foliage: Its leaves are slender and green, and lance-shaped with a slightly serrated edge. The foliage is fragrant, but not, like the French Tarragon, pungent.  
• Flowers: It bears small greenish-yellow flowers at the end of summer.  Russian Tarragon is capable of setting viable seeds, unlike the French Tarragon.  
• Growth Habit: The plant is straight with numerous stems and propagates with time either by self-seeding or by root division.  
• Aroma and Flavor: It is slightly grassy in taste with a slight tincture of bitterness and not as strongly flavored with licorice-anise as pure French Tarragon.

Uses

Russian Tarragon has some useful applications, though not as popular in fancy cooking as French Tarragon:

Culinary Uses  

• The leaves may be fresh or dried in salads, vinegars, teas, and sauces.  
• It may also be added to stews, soups, or used as a garnish, though the flavor is quite milder than that of French Tarragon.  
• Fresh leaves in certain areas are used to add flavor to beverages such as the famous Russian beverage known as Tarhun.

Medicinal Uses  

• It is traditionally used to stimulate digestion and get rid of slight stomach aches.  
• In folk medicine, it works as an inert appetite stimulant and alleviates sore teeth.

Growing Conditions

Russian Tarragon is very valuable in terms of flexibility.

• Soil: This herb likes well-drained sandy or loamy soils (see our guide on choosing the best potting soil for healthy indoor and outdoor plants) , although it may grow in poorer soils than French Tarragon. It grows best at a pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Watering: It is drought-tolerant when it is established. Water is not in sufficient amounts; the overabundance may lead to root rot.
• Light: It likes complete sunshine to grow, but it can withstand some light shade.
• Temperature: It grows in temperate climates and endures in the USDA zones 4-8. It can withstand both the cold winters and the hot summers.
• Spacing: Spacing plants without crowding 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) to allow the air to circulate.

Seed Morphology

The Russian Tarragon bears viable seeds, unlike the French Tarragon, and as such, it is an option that gardeners who like to grow herbs themselves can use.

• Size: Small, measuring an average of 1 -2 mm.
• Color: Brownish to dark grey.
• Form: Long oval to a little rounded over, smooth.
• Dispersal: This normally disperses naturally by wind as they are light.

Germination Requirements

Russian Tarragon seeds can be germinated fairly simply when compared to other varieties of tarragon.

• Temperature: Aim for a range of 60°F to 70°F (15°C–21°C) for best germination.
• Watering: This should be evenly moist but should not be waterlogged. Damping-off disease may be caused by excess moisture.
• Light: These tiny seeds require the presence of light in order to germinate. Plant them on top, and uncovered.
• Soil: Prepare a neutral, loose, and well-draining seed-starter medium.
• Timeframe: Under optimal conditions, germination normally requires 7-14 days.

Seed Viability and Vigor

The seeds are consistent; with proper treatment and storage, they exhibit high germination rates and high vigor.

• Germination Rate: Fresh seed germination is a range of 65 to 80 percent.
• Viability Period: The seed has a life span of 2-3 years when stored in the right way.
• Storage Requirements: They should be kept in a cool, dry environment in airtight containers to avoid the damage caused by moisture.
• Vigor Test: Before planting, a simple sprout test can be used to identify seed viability.

Propagation and Sowing

Russian Tarragon can be propagated in some ways:

Seed Sowing

• Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date.
• Sow on the soil surface and press to make contact, but without covering.
• Plant seedlings when the frost threat is over.

Direct Sowing

• Outside planting of the seeds can also be conducted during the spring when there is no more risk of frost.
• Prune young seedlings to ensure a distance of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm).

Subdivision: Split clumps were renewed every 3-4 years to check spreading.

Cuttings: Stem cuttings may also be rooted in order to give rise to other plants, although this is not as reliable as when using French Tarragon.

Disease and Pest Resistance

Russian Tarragon is inherently tough and will not fall victim to pests and diseases easily, as many herbs do, though it is not without problems now and then:  

• Aphids: They can be found on young shoots; they can be treated with insect-killing soap or introduced to natural predators.  
• Root rot: It may grow in soils with poor drainage; make sure that the soils are well-drained.  
• Powdery Mildew: Provide sufficient space and air to the plant in wet climates to assist in avoiding fungus.  
• Spider Mites: They tend to be found in hot, dry climates; they are controllable by frequent spraying or bio controls. An effective organic solution is SNS 217 Spider Mite Control Concentrate 1 Gallon, which provides targeted protection.

Storage and Handling

Maintain good germination rates and quality by maintaining optimum conditions for seeds.  

• Temperature: 40 °F–50 °F (4 °C–10 °C).  
• Humidity: Have a relative humidity of less than 40.  
• Containers: Airtight jars or seed envelopes, or vacuum-sealed bags are best.  
• Shelf life: Three years when well stored.

Summary

Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus inodora ) is a tough, adaptable perennial herb that grows in various gardens. It is not glorified because of its excellent culinary taste of French Tarragon, but it is capable of growing easily, withstanding numerous environments, and it is aesthetically pleasing. Start by planting a seed; once established, it requires little care. Harvest it for occasional cooking, herbal teas, or medicinal use.