I've only grown French tarragon (and not very successfully)
Has anyone tried the Spanish tarragon and if so how does it compare in taste and ease of growing?
Cheers
Dovey
Spanish vs French Tarragon
I've never heard of Spanish tarragon, but there is an annual (well, at least it's an annual here in the temperate zones) that is often called "Mexican Tarragon". Is a bit rangy, but has attractive small marigold-like flowers & the foliage has the French tarragon scent/flavor.
Doesn't taste like French Tarragon to me when you cook with it though.
Are there multiple varieties? When I grew tarragon years ago, the plants stood strongly upright. The ones I have now definitely "sprawl". (Taste good, though).
Well, there is a "Russian Tarragon" that has taller more upright growth, but it has virtually no scent or taste & in my opinion is pretty worthless. Since French Tarragon doesn't produce viable seed, any tarragon you've grown from seed is either Russian or Mexican. French Tarragon can only be grown vegetatively.
That said, I've had individual French Tarragon plants grow upright as well as sprawl within the same "batch".
Just to add a little color to the thread - here's a pic of my 10 month old Mexican Tarragon
OK so I guess it was Mexican tarragon I was wondering about.
My French is more trailing and seems to wither and brown just about the time I think it's getting healthy.
Years ago a co-worker gave me a huge dry bunch and it looked as if it was more of an upright plant. She said it was taking over her green house.
That's what got me wondering about the difference in flavour, etc.
I've never heard of Russian Tarragon....
Regardless we love the flavor of tarragon and I would love to find out the secret of growing a healthy batch.
I'm open to suggestions, tips, condolences ?
Dovey
French Tarragon can be picky. My best luck has been when I've been able to provide relatively rich well-draining soil. While the plant doesn't like to dry out somewhat like oregano & thyme, it will not tolerate constantly "wet feet", & also doesn't seem to like high humidity or hot temps. In winter, it's important to mulch to prevent frost heaving, but not in a way that will encourage crown or root rot.
Of course, I'm in a completely different zone than you are, so don't know if my tips will help.