***FRENCH TARRAGON***
(Artemisia Dracunculus)
• Full Sun, Pot Suitable, Culinary Used, and Essential Oil.
• Ideal Soil: Well-drained.
• Parts Used: Leaves and oil.
• Medicinal: Indigestion, worms, toothache, and rheumatism.
• Precautions: Not suitable for pregnant women.
The Tarragon's heavy licorice flavor holds well, making it an extremely useful herb in the kitchen. It used to be known as a Dragon herb, hence the species name.
French Tarragon was originally used externally as a poultice to treat poisonous stings and bites.
Tarragon is a tasty addition to chicken and egg dishes, but use sparingly--the flavor is very strong.
Smell before you buy as the licorice scent only exists in the French variety; its leaves are a flavorsome addition to vinegar.
GROWING GUIDELINES:
Seldon sets seed. Take cuttings of new summer growth. Divide older plants in spring or fall every three years.
• Growth Habit: Hardy perennial; height 2-4 feet [60-120 cm].
• Flowers: Summer, in warm climates; small, greenish-yellow blossoms.
HARVESTING AND STORING:
Cut summer foliage as required; store in the refrigerator wrapped in paper towel, then placed in a plastic bag. Hang to dry away from sunlight; store in airtight container.
***MUGWORT***
(Artemisia Vulgaris)
• Full Sun, Pot Suitable, Culinary Used, and Essential Oil.
• Ideal Soil: Light and well-drained.
• Parts Used: Leaves.
• Medicinal: Depression, worms, menstrual problems, and fungal wash.
• Precautions: Not suitable for pregnant women.
The Mugwort is an appealing ornamental for both the garden and floral wreaths. The leaves have a similar scent to sage and are said to repel insects.
The Mugwort's leaf is used in traditional Chinese medicine on the skin at acupuncture points.
The new leaf growth on flowering stems differs from mature Mugwort leaves--the former are more elongate and have downy, white undersides.
GROWING GUIDELINES:
Sow seeds outdoors after frosts have passed. Divide older plants in spring or fall.
• Growth Habit: Perennial; height 3-6 feet [90-180 cm].
• Flowers: Late summer; redish-brown or yellow, all-shaped blossoms.
HARVESTING AND STORING:
Collect leaves just before flowering in summer. Dry and store in airtight container.
