Tarragon seeds

Under this category of the online store for home and garden, you will find a large and varied selection of high-quality varieties of seeds of a famous spice, known since Antiquity for its many useful properties, which today is famous for its wide use in cooking, mainly for flavoring dishes and sauces - Tarragon, also known under the name Taros.

Tarragon is a perennial crop that is part of the Compositae family. It is believed that the countries from which it originated are Siberia, China, Japan and Mongolia. The spread in Europe also happened at a much later stage, in the 16th century, and today the spice is considered one of the most characteristic in European cuisine. The reason for its great popularity is its strong aroma and its ability to enhance the taste of the dishes to which it is added, especially meat dishes and cheeses, and it is an excellent seasoning for sauces. It is therefore no surprise that it is extremely popular in French and Mediterranean cuisine.

The history of aromatic taros is believed to date back thousands of years. There are reports that in ancient times, tarragon had a serious spread among the ancient Greeks. They, surprisingly, used tarragon not as a spice, but as a pain reliever. They chewed the leaves of the plant, which soothed the pain of a toothache and reduced inflammation. The reason for its application is that the perennial plant has very good antiseptic properties.

According to other interesting beliefs, tarragon has the property of curing snakebite. This is also directly related to its Latin name "dracunculus", which literally translates as little dragon.

And what actually is this interesting spice?

Tarragon is a perennial plant that, in its flowering period, can reach a height of up to 2 meters. It is characterized by its herbaceous stem, which may be branched, erect or semi-erect. Its petals are elongated and colored in greenish tones. It blooms in round inflorescences, which are baskets, and in these baskets are its flowers, which are small and yellowish in color.

Remarkable about the species are its roots, which are long and have a serpentine shape. Again a reference to the plant's Latin name.

It is propagated from seeds, which are sown after the passage of the great frosts - the months of March-April. The plant can be sown and grown outdoors in the garden, as in larger pots or boxes on the balcony. Although it is cold hardy, tarragon likes sunlight. There are greater requirements for the soil in which it is grown, and for its proper growth and development, you must provide deep and permeable soils rich in nutrients. It needs humidity, so regular watering is a must.

Tarragon blooms in beautiful inflorescences during the summer months - from June to August.

The spice is a favorite addition to many dishes. It is almost mandatory as an addition to omelets and any dishes with eggs!

Despite the highly appreciated taste and aroma qualities, care should be taken with the amount of tarragon. Because of its strong aroma, it is advisable to use the spice in moderation, because at higher doses, instead of enhancing the taste of the dish, there is a danger of giving it a more intrusive taste.

Apart from being tasty and aromatic, the culinary gadget also has numerous health benefits. It is characterized by immunostimulating properties, antiseptic properties and soothing action. It stimulates the correct digestive process, strengthens the immune system and increases appetite.

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Tarragon is a perennial herb that is known for its distinctive flavor and aroma. It belongs to the sunflower family and is native to Eurasia. The scientific name of tarragon is Artemisia dracunculus.

Tarragon is widely used in culinary applications, particularly in French cuisine. It has a delicate, sweet, and slightly licorice-like flavor, which adds a unique taste to dishes. The leaves of tarragon are the most commonly used part of the plant, and they can be used either fresh or dried.

Some popular uses of tarragon include:

Culinary seasoning: Tarragon is often used as a culinary herb to flavor a variety of dishes, including sauces, dressings, soups, stews, and marinades. It pairs well with fish, chicken, eggs, and vegetables.

Tarragon vinegar: Tarragon leaves can be infused in vinegar to create tarragon vinegar, which is a popular ingredient in salad dressings and marinades.

Herbal tea: Tarragon leaves can be steeped in hot water to make an herbal tea. Tarragon tea is known for its calming and digestive properties.

Medicinal uses: Tarragon has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. It has been used to aid digestion, stimulate appetite, and relieve toothaches.

Tarragon is a versatile herb that can enhance the flavor of many dishes. It is important to note that there are different varieties of tarragon, with French tarragon being the most commonly used for culinary purposes due to its superior flavor.

Tarragon seeds, also known as tarragon herb seeds or estragon seeds, refer to the seeds of the tarragon plant (Artemisia dracunculus). Tarragon is primarily propagated through cuttings or division of the plant, as it rarely produces viable seeds. Therefore, obtaining true tarragon plants from seeds can be quite challenging.

There are two main types of tarragon plants: French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa) and Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. inodora). French tarragon is the most desirable variety for culinary purposes due to its superior flavor, while Russian tarragon is often considered inferior in taste and aroma.

If you come across tarragon seeds for sale, it's essential to be aware that they might not produce true French tarragon plants. Instead, they may yield plants that are closer to Russian tarragon or have less desirable culinary qualities. This is because French tarragon plants do not produce viable seeds, and propagation is typically done through vegetative methods.

If you still want to attempt growing tarragon from seeds, here are some general guidelines:

Seed viability: Due to the difficulty of obtaining true tarragon seeds, it is crucial to ensure that the seeds you purchase are fresh and of good quality. Check the packaging or inquire with the seller about the seed viability.

Sowing seeds: Start by sowing the tarragon seeds indoors in seed trays or pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. Lightly press the seeds into the soil surface and cover them with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite.

Germination requirements: Tarragon seeds typically require a period of cold stratification to enhance germination. Place the seed trays in a cool location, such as a refrigerator, for about two weeks before transferring them to a warm and well-lit area for germination.

Germination and growth: Tarragon seeds usually take around 10-14 days to germinate under suitable conditions. Once the seedlings have emerged, provide them with ample sunlight (6-8 hours per day) and maintain consistent moisture in the soil.

Transplanting: When the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, usually with a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or the garden. Space them about 18-24 inches apart to allow for their spreading growth habit.

Keep in mind that even with proper care, tarragon plants grown from seeds may not possess the desirable flavor characteristics of true French tarragon. It is often recommended to obtain established plants from reputable nurseries or propagate through cuttings for a more reliable and authentic tarragon experience in culinary applications.
Tarragon is a versatile herb that can be used in various culinary applications to add a unique flavor and aroma to dishes. Here are some common ways to use tarragon:

Seasoning: Tarragon can be used as a seasoning herb in both fresh and dried forms. It pairs well with fish, chicken, eggs, vegetables, and sauces. Add a sprinkle of fresh tarragon leaves or a pinch of dried tarragon to enhance the flavor of your dishes.

Salad Dressings: Tarragon is often used in salad dressings to add a fresh and herbaceous note. You can chop fresh tarragon leaves and mix them with olive oil, vinegar (such as white wine vinegar or tarragon-infused vinegar), Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful dressing.

Sauces: Tarragon is a key ingredient in classic French sauces like Béarnaise sauce and Hollandaise sauce. It adds a distinct flavor and complements the richness of the sauces. You can finely chop tarragon leaves and stir them into the sauce towards the end of cooking.

Marinades: Tarragon can be included in marinades for meats, poultry, or seafood. Combine tarragon leaves, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Let the ingredients infuse for a while, then use the mixture to marinate your chosen protein before grilling or roasting.

Herb Butter: Mix finely chopped tarragon leaves into softened butter to create a flavorful herb butter. This can be used as a spread for bread, melted over grilled meats, or added to cooked vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.

Tarragon Vinegar: Infuse tarragon leaves in vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, to create tarragon-infused vinegar. This vinegar can be used in dressings, marinades, or to add a tangy twist to various dishes.

Herbal Tea: Tarragon leaves can be used to make a fragrant herbal tea. Steep a few fresh tarragon leaves in hot water for a few minutes, then strain and enjoy the tea. Tarragon tea is known for its soothing and digestive properties.

Remember that tarragon has a potent flavor, so it's best to start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preferences. Whether you use it in savory dishes, dressings, or beverages, tarragon can add a delightful touch to your culinary creations.

Planting tarragon seeds indoors can be a bit challenging as tarragon plants typically do not produce viable seeds. However, if you have acquired tarragon seeds and want to give it a try, here are some steps to plant them indoors:

Start with fresh seeds: Ensure that the tarragon seeds you have are fresh and of good quality. The viability of tarragon seeds can be low, so it's important to use fresh seeds for better germination success.

Prepare the containers: Select small seed trays or pots with drainage holes to plant the tarragon seeds. Fill the containers with a well-draining potting mix suitable for starting seeds.

Sow the seeds: Scatter the tarragon seeds over the surface of the potting mix. Tarragon seeds are tiny, so handle them carefully. Avoid burying the seeds too deep as they require light to germinate. Gently press the seeds onto the soil surface.

Moisture and cover: Mist the surface of the soil lightly to provide moisture. Cover the containers with a plastic dome or plastic wrap to create a greenhouse-like environment that retains humidity. This helps to promote germination.

Provide optimal conditions: Place the containers in a warm location with indirect sunlight. The ideal temperature range for germinating tarragon seeds is around 65-75°F (18-24°C).

Maintain moisture: Check the moisture level regularly and mist the soil surface if it appears dry. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to rotting of the seeds.

Germination and growth: Tarragon seeds may take anywhere from 10 to 14 days or longer to germinate. Once the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic cover and provide them with bright light. A sunny windowsill or supplemental fluorescent grow lights can be used to ensure adequate light for healthy growth.

Transplanting: When the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and are sturdy enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots with well-draining soil. Space the seedlings at least 12-18 inches apart to allow for their growth.

Keep in mind that propagating tarragon from seeds may not yield true French tarragon plants, as mentioned before. Consider obtaining established tarragon plants from reputable nurseries or using other vegetative propagation methods, such as cuttings or division, for a more reliable outcome.