Russian Tarragon

Family: Asteraceae Herb

Fragrant as a fresh green breeze, Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides) unfurls slender, aromatic leaves with a clean, anise-citrus lift and a pleasantly crisp bite.

The foliage forms an upright, bushy clump that’s richly textured—fine, feathery and vivid—making it a standout herb for bright, herb-forward flavoring in sauces, vinegars, and pickles, as well as for fresh garnishing. Grow it for its dependable, bold character and the way its scent seems to rise the moment you brush the stems.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Russian Tarragon

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 6th
Harvest Begins	Aug 5th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Russian tarragon brings a more straightforward, assertive anise-citrus perfume than many mellow herbs—use it bright, not boiled to death. It stays crisp in dressings and brines, and its lifted aroma makes seafood and eggs taste like they’ve been hit with fresh lemon.

Best Uses

chop for quick, last-minute herb sauce (stir in off-heat)
infuse into vinegar for fast, bright pickles
mix into yogurt or crème fraîche to keep the anise edge vivid
use as a high-aroma garnish on fish, chicken, and omelets

Flavor Profile

anise-citrus lift fresh, green, sharply aromatic crisp, feathery leaf bite clean herbal finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon butter white vinegar dill capers grilled salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Artemisia dracunculoides (Russian tarragon), and how do I treat it?

Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides) is prone to leaf spot and powdery mildew when air is humid and plants are crowded. Cut off and discard any spotted or heavily diseased foliage, improve airflow by spacing plants, and avoid wetting leaves when watering. If mildew persists, spray with a labeled horticultural fungicide and repeat according to the label during early signs (don’t wait for full coverage).

How often should I water Russian tarragon during its main growing phase, and what soil moisture should I aim for?

During active growth, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides) tolerates some drought once established, but consistent dryness reduces growth and leaf quality. In full sun, expect more frequent watering in hot weather and less as temperatures cool toward the 60-day mark.

How can I tell when Russian tarragon is ready to harvest?

Harvest once plants are well-established and reach usable height, typically around 60 days after sowing for first harvests. Choose stems that are firm and green, and take cuttings before flowering for best leaf flavor—look for the early formation of flower heads to guide timing. For repeat harvests, cut back up to about one-third of the plant and leave enough foliage for regrowth.