Tarragon French
French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa)
A premium culinary herb with anise‑sweet flavour, soft aromatic leaves, and elegant, upright growth 🌿✨
🌿 French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa) is the true culinary tarragon, prized for its sweet anise‑like flavour, soft aromatic leaves, and refined growth habit. Unlike Russian tarragon, which is coarse and lacks flavour, French tarragon is the variety used by chefs worldwide — especially in classic French cuisine. It is a sterile, clump‑forming perennial that thrives in warm, sunny, well‑drained conditions.
🐝 Garden Benefits
French tarragon is not a major pollinator plant, but it still offers garden value.
• Aromatic foliage: lightly deters some pests
• Attractive form: elegant, upright habit
• Great companion plant: pairs well with vegetables and herbs
• Low maintenance: drought tolerant once established
📏 Plant Details
Botanical name: Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa
Common name: French tarragon
Type: Perennial herb
Aspect: Full sun
Hardiness: Hardy in most UK regions (protect from winter wet)
Height: 60 to 90 cm
Spread: 30 to 45 cm
French tarragon is one of the most important herbs in European cooking, especially in French and Mediterranean dishes.
Leaves
Use fresh in:
• Béarnaise sauce and other classic French sauces
• Chicken, fish, and seafood dishes 🐟
• Creamy dressings and herb butters
• Omelettes, quiches, and tarragon chicken
• Vinegars, infused oils, and marinades
Cooking Notes
• Best used fresh as drying reduces flavour
• Add near the end of cooking to preserve aroma
• Excellent paired with lemon, mustard, and cream
🌟 Flavour profile: sweet, warm anise — delicate but distinctive.
