If you want to try your hand at herb gardening then growing tarragon is a good idea. It is a perennial herb which grows easily and can even be propagated by crossing two different kinds with each other. It flowers in May and has pretty purple blossoms, which look great in a vase or mixed with other flowers. Planting tarragon plants is not difficult but it does involve a little work and care once you have set them into your garden.
The main thing to bear in mind when planting tarragon seedlings is that they need relatively cool and moist soil. You should leave the top of the ground clear to help prevent soil from becoming compacted as this will affect the health of your herbs. Make sure that before you do anything to your soil that you have removed all weeds and rocks so that it is completely ready for planting. After this you should rake the soil to make it loose and even. You can then purchase or harvest your herbs from the plant as it grows.
Planting tarragon seedlings in a sunny area is a good idea as these plants love sunlight. However, there are varieties that do better in shady areas. This is because they have chlorophyll which is a light source that they need in order to grow. If you are growing herbs such as basil then you will need to place them far apart as they will flower at different times. It is far better to plant them together as this makes it easier for them to combine each others roots for maximum growth.
It is possible to grow your tarragon plant in your very own garden but you will need to know how to take care of it so it will live for a long time and stay fresh. You will also need to make sure that you harvest fresh tarragon leaves at least once a week so the flavor stays fresh. When the leaves are warm and dry, they are ready to be used.
French and German breeds are the ones used for producing the most valuable flavor. They are hardy plants and are able to endure cold winters and hot summers. They have thick stems and branches so they are not recommended for use in cold climates. You may be able to grow Russian tarragon in the southern part of your garden but the herbs will become woody as they age. Their bitter taste makes them unfavorable for cooking.
You can easily prune your young seedlings to keep the plants healthy. Remove the dead and damaged leaves on a regular basis so the young sprouts will have enough space to grow. The best time to harvest your Russian tarragon is in the fall so they can get the full benefits of the herbs. Harvest them just before the flowers open and just after frost. When the plant senses moisture it will rapidly grow.
Mulch your seedlings to protect them from cold winds. If you live in a place that has mild winters make sure you fertilize your plants during the winter. The mulch will help retain moisture in the soil and keep your plants from freezing. You should check the soil often to ensure there is no moisture so you do not end up with soggy tarragon plants.
Always plant your seedlings in the same season and in well-drained soil. Do not overwater them. You should also not let the soil dry out completely between harvests. This herb likes full sunlight, so provide your seedlings with an adequate number of hours of sunlight. It is also important that you fertilize your herb with organic materials like fertilizer made from straw and manure so it keeps its beautiful green leaves.