Tarragon - perennial plant, one of the species of wormwood.
Did you know? This is the only wormwood species that does not have the characteristic bitterness characteristic of these plants.
The height can grow up to one and a half meters, the leaves are narrow, and the inflorescences are yellowish-green, snow-white type, located at the ends of the twigs. The tarragon plant (tarragon) is a well-known seasoning, and its cultivation is quite popular in garden culture.
Also, this plant is used in the preservation of vegetables and the preparation of marinades. Tarhun received its unusual spicy aroma due to the essential oils contained in the leaves and stems of this plant.
Did you know? This plant is the basis for the popular drink "Estragon".
Planting and reproduction of tarragon seeds
Planting tarragon seeds - more time-consuming process than other methods, but if due to various circumstances other methods do not suit you, then let's figure out how to plant tarragon in this way. Seeds can be planted in open ground directly on the garden, and you can pre-germinate in seedlings. The second method is more complicated, but more reliable.
Planting tarragon seedlings
Tarragon seeds are small, they will sprout 2-3 weeks. It is not necessary to sprinkle with the earth, sow in the ordinary way, with the distance between the rows of about 10 cm. April-May is the best time when you can plant tarragon on seedlings.
After a couple of weeks, the seeds germinate, seedlings need to be thinned in a row by 10 cm. Further care includes watering, loosening, weeding. In the breeding grounds, the plants remain for one winter. In early spring, they can be transplanted into the open ground.
Planting tarragon seeds in open ground
There is not much difference where to plant tarragon, however, among the undesirable precursors can be distinguished Jerusalem artichoke, chicory and lettuce. If there is a choice, the cultivation of tarragon from seeds is better to produce in places where legumes were previously grown.
Landing can be carried out both in spring and autumn, under the snow. Small seeds are sown in rows after 30 cm and covered with a small layer of earth, not forgetting to moisten the planting. Seedlings will appear in 2-3 weeks, with time they need to be thinned out.
Other ways of breeding tarragon grass
There are other ways of breeding tarragon, but for this you need an adult plant.
Division of rhizome
The easiest way: adult plants are dug and divided, then planted in new places. Each of the parts should have its own rhizome and a pair of buds.
Cuttings
The reproduction of tarragon is best suited if you need to get a large number of new plants. With one adult bush you can get 60-80 cuttings.
Grafting is best done during the period of active growth, so rooting will occur faster. For tarragon it is spring or early summer. Cuttings are cut 10–15 cm long, and then planted in a greenhouse with soil mixture of humus and sand.
Important! Cuttings need to deepen into the soil no more than 5 cm, and then cover and shake.
After that, they must be regularly aired and watered; the temperature should be kept within 18 degrees. If everything is done correctly, the cuttings will be ready for planting within three weeks.
Layering
Not very popular, but effective way - reproduction using segments of rhizomes. In early spring, rhizomes are dug out and cut into pieces of approximately 5 cm in length. Further, the scheme is exactly the same as when grown by cuttings.
How to care for tarragon on your site
The main care for tarragon is to remove weeds, loosen the soil and timely watering, especially during drought. Young shoots must be tied to the pegs, as strong winds can damage them.
Already from the second year it is desirable to feed the plant. It is best to do this in the spring, using complex mineral fertilizers at the rate of 1 tablespoon per square meter.
Collection and preparation of tarragon grass for the winter
Estragon is used in many recipes, both in fresh and dried form. Also it canned, frozen. Of course, everyone knows about the drink, which has the same name. However, collecting is not possible in winter, therefore, it is necessary to prepare tarragon for the winter.
Drying tarragon
For further drying, tarragon is cut at the very beginning of flowering. The water content in it is small, so drying does not take much time. It is necessary to hang the raw material tops down in a dry, ventilated area. After complete drying, spicy herbs tarragon should be folded in airtight containers so that the aroma does not disappear.
Frost
The grass must be washed, dry a little on a towel. For convenience, you can decompose portions and wrap in bags or cling film (the denser and more tight, the better). To freeze.
Pickle
As in the case of freezing, the greens must be washed and dried. Next, finely chop the raw material, and then mix with salt. The proportion should be 5: 1, while it is important not to overdo it - the grass needs to be mixed, and not frayed.
Then tightly tamp in a jar, close the nylon cover and leave in a cold place until you need it.
Now it is no secret to you how to grow tarragon at your dacha and enjoy its taste all year round.
