Russian

Family: Asteraceae Herb

Fragrant as a sunlit herb garden, Russian tarragon carries a clean, anise-laced perfume with a cool, savory snap.

The leaves are narrow and glossy, holding their delicate texture through drying and long simmering, yet they shine most when used fresh for sauces and herb-forward flavoring. A dependable perennial for the home gardener, it’s prized for its distinctive, true tarragon character in everything from classic tarragon sauces to pickling brines.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

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	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 24th
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)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Russian tarragon keeps its true, peppery-anise character through drying and steady heat—unlike some imposters that go flat. Use it like a finishing herb with restraint in fresh applications, but it’s built for reductions where its cool perfume stays crisp, not muddy.

Best Uses

tarragon vinegar for quick, bright pickles
fresh-leaf finishing for buttery sauces and pan juices
long-reduction tarragon cream or velouté-style sauces
brining and herb-forward pickling brines

Flavor Profile

anise-laced licorice perfume cool, savory snap narrow-leaf herb with a clean, resinous edge

Kitchen Pairings

butter lemon shallot white wine cream chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease pest problem on Artemisia dracunculoides (Russian tarragon) and how do I treat it?

A frequent issue is powdery mildew, which shows up as a white, dusty coating on leaves during warm, humid spells. Improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the soil line, then remove and discard the worst affected leaves early. If it keeps spreading, spray with a horticultural soap or neem oil, covering both leaf surfaces, and repeat every 7–10 days as needed.

How often should I water Artemisia dracunculoides during active growth?

During the main growing phase, water only when the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) of soil feels dry, aiming for deep moisture rather than frequent light watering. Artemisia dracunculoides prefers well-drained soil and will suffer from root problems if kept constantly wet, so avoid waterlogged beds and use a mulch that doesn’t trap moisture against the crown.

How can I tell when Artemisia dracunculoides is ready to harvest?

Harvest once plants are established and reach about 8–12 in (20–30 cm) tall, typically around day 60, and before the stems get woody. Pick tender tops and healthy side shoots in the morning; leaves are best when they’re fully grown but not yet dull and hardened. For ongoing use, prune lightly every couple of weeks rather than stripping all foliage at once.