Plant Overview
French Tarragon, valued for adding a distinctive flavour to salads, chicken and fish dishes. Prefers a sunny spot in well-drained soil and is very happy in containers.
Called dracunculus by the Romans because the roots supposedly looked like little dragons. Pilgrims put tarragon leaves in their shoes before setting off on their journey as they were thought to relieve fatigue.
This culinary herb has been used in Britain since 1548 and was said to be able to cure the bite of dragons. Traditionally it was used as a treatment for stings and the bites of venomous creatures.
Native Americans would rub tarragon on their clothing as they believed it had the power to attract love and affection.
Said not to be fully hardy in the UK, but we have grown it for several years without trouble here in Bucks. If in doubt, grow in a container and move into a cold frame or similar over winter.
Height and Spread: 30cm x 30cm
Common name(s): Tarragon, French Tarragon, Little Dragon, Fuzzy Weed, Dragon Mugwort.
