Tarragon, French

Tarragon, French

Scientific Name:
Artemesia dracunculus

Family:
Asteraceae

Varieties:

• Default (ID: 170)

Introduction

Artemisia dracunculus, commonly known as tarragon, is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family. It is native to temperate Europe and Asia, as well as central-western North America. The plant is widely cultivated for its aromatic leaves, which are used in culinary and medicinal applications. The most prized variety for culinary use is Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa, known as French tarragon.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Tarragon grows up to 3 feet tall with slender branches and narrow linear leaves. It produces small, non-ornamental flowers in summer, although French tarragon rarely flowers.
• Growing Conditions: Tarragon thrives in dry, sunny conditions with neutral to slightly alkaline soil and good drainage. It is susceptible to root rot in moist soils.
• Lifecycle: Tarragon is a perennial that spreads via rhizomatous roots. It is typically propagated through root division rather than seeds, especially for French tarragon, as its seeds are often sterile.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Tarragon could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several factors: - Low Maintenance: Its ability to thrive in dry conditions and tolerate neglect makes it suitable for controlled environments with limited resources. - Medicinal Properties: Tarragon has been used for various medicinal purposes, which could be valuable in space missions where access to medical supplies is limited. - Culinary Value: Providing a flavorful herb in space could enhance the psychological well-being of astronauts by offering a taste of home and variety in their diet. - Air Purification: Like many plants, tarragon could contribute to air purification in closed environments, improving air quality.

History of Cultivation in Space

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of tarragon in space. However, the characteristics of tarragon make it a potential candidate for future space agriculture projects focused on low-maintenance, high-value crops.