Tarragon is an herb that you can never grow enough in the garden. So find out here how easy it is to multiply tarragon.
Tarragon comes in three basic varieties: German, French and Russian tarragon. German and French tarragon taste very aromatic and are popular kitchen herbs. Russian tarragon, on the other hand, has a rather tart taste. However, it is not only used for seasoning. The young shoots can even be cooked as a vegetable. So it pays to grow all three varieties in the garden.
You can even propagate very well with cuttings. Root division is also successful. If you don't have your own tarragon plants, you can also buy young plants or germinable seeds from a specialist shop, because it is generally not possible to remove seeds from existing bushes.
Propagating tarragon by cuttings
❶ The method is simple and safe. To do this, cut off the herbaceous shoot tips in late summer, just below a leaf node. Each cutting should have at least three to four pairs of leaves on the top. Defoliate the bottom half completely.
❷ You then have to place the cuttings individually in small seed pots. A mixture of peat and sand or a special potting soil is suitable as a substrate. Be careful, because the shoots are thin and delicate. Therefore, pre-drill the planting hole with a pricking stick.
❸ Then insert the shoot and carefully press the soil all around. Pour gently, then secure a cling film sleeve over the pot. You have to air this film every day. Also, you must always keep the soil slightly moist.
❹ When the cuttings sprout at the top, you will see that the first roots are growing underground. Although tarragon is hardy, the young plants are better off spending the first fall and winter indoors. A bright, cool room works well. The foil is no longer necessary. Water very moderately in winter. The soil should not dry out completely.
❺ In the spring, place the plants in larger pots with normal soil. Tarragon grows well in tubs and window boxes, but can also go outdoors. If youwant to put the young tarragon bush in the garden, but wait until around mid-May. Young potted tarragon plants must also be protected from the last night frosts.
❻ In the first year of life, tarragon plants are still a little sensitive. Therefore, remove weeds regularly when the young shrubs are growing in the bed. A support with a wooden stick is also useful.
Propagating tarragon by rootstock division
Division of the rhizomes is a very uncomplicated process. Not only do you multiply your plants, but you also ensure that the tarragon stock is regularly renewed. Because the herb eats up the soil and should change location every four years. Of course, you can also propagate your plants more often by dividing the roots.
❶ To do this, dig up the plant in spring or take it out of the pot.
❷ Then divide the rhizome into several pieces with a spade or a sharp knife. Each individual piece should have at least two to three buds.
❸ Now insert the sections in the new location or in prepared containers. They usually grow well and apart from water and nutrient-rich soil do not require any complex care. A mixture of one third clay, compost and sand or a special soil for kitchen herbs is suitable as a substrate in the pot.