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Tarragon in the Garden

post #1 of 6
10/29/06 at 5:37am
Thread Starter 
This is not a cooking question, but I though someone might know--I grew tarragon in my garden 'pots' this year but it is positively tasteless--well, it tastes like grass. Does anyone have any idea of why this may be? I'm hesitant to plant herbs next year because of this experience. Thank you:lips:
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post #2 of 6
10/30/06 at 10:48am
NancyR,

Don't be discouraged. Keep in mind that there are well over 100 varieties of thyme for you to choose from and if you are wanting to use one specifically for culinary purposes, it is best to choose the most appropriate variety for your intended use. Usually Mother-of-Thyme, nutmeg thyme, & English Thyme are preferred varities for culinary use.

Go to a respected garden nursery in your area which carries herbs and they should be able to help you with the variety you need.
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post #3 of 6
10/30/06 at 2:31pm
Tarragon, Tarragon, Tarragon.....:D
Of course this is not to say that I will be of much help.....:rolleyes: Check on line too, you may find that there are specific activities to the growing that you're doing or not doing. But Mudbug is right in checking with your local Nursery, they would likely know best.
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post #4 of 6
10/30/06 at 3:31pm
You probably got Russian Tarragon. You want French Tarragon.

www.richters.com is the best source for quality flavorful herbs on the web. Catalog is packed with useful information and they have tons of varietals.

Their website is complete with info too, but I've never liked the design.

The tarragon I planted from them got huge. Plenty of flavor. Had to severely cut it back to keep it in its place.

Phil
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post #5 of 6
11/1/06 at 7:54am
Sorry about that NancyR. Must have forgotten my morning cup of coffee when I posted regarding the thyme.

phatch is correct. Many places sell "Russian Tarragon" as culinary tarragon but it is not as good as "French Tarragon". Make sure you are purchasing the appropriate variety.
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post #6 of 6
11/24/06 at 6:36am

French Tarragon

By the way, French Tarragon is a perrenial, at least as far north as zone 4.
I planted mine about 6 years ago. It dies back in winter and starts over in the spring. Mine gets about 3 feet tall now.
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