Origin and common names
Oligosporus dracunculus (L.) Poljakov ssp. glaucus (Pallas ex Willd.) A.& D. Löve, commonly known as Russian tarragon or Siberian tarragon, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Siberia, Mongolia, and northern China but is now cultivated in many parts of the world, including Europe and North America.
General appearance
Russian tarragon typically grows to a height of 60-150 cm. It has a thin, branching stem that is green or reddish-brown in color and produces lance-shaped, dark-green leaves that are around 2-10 cm long. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters and bloom in late summer.
Uses
One of the main uses of Russian tarragon is as a culinary herb. Its leaves have a delicate aniseed flavor and are commonly used to add flavor to salads, eggs, chicken, and fish dishes. In comparison to its more commonly known cousin, French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), the flavor of Russian tarragon is less intense, and it lacks the same level of sweetness and aroma. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and digestive properties. The plant is sometimes used as a natural insect repellent due to its high content of essential oils.
Light Requirements
Oligosporus dracunculus requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but this may result in reduced yield and flavor of the leaves. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the species in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The species is native to central Asia and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in moderate temperatures ranging from 15-25°C. The plant can survive temperatures as low as -15°C and as high as 35°C. It is important to note that sudden temperature changes can negatively impact the growth and yield of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Oligosporus dracunculus grows best in a well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Sandy loam and loamy soils are ideal for the plant since they have good drainage properties and retain moisture well. Additionally, the plant can tolerate saline soils, making it suitable for growing in coastal areas.
Cultivation
Oligosporus dracunculus (L.) Poljakov ssp. glaucus (Pallas ex Willd.) A.& D. Löve, also known as Russian tarragon, is a hardy perennial herb that can be propagated from seeds, stem cuttings, or division of old plants. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The plant requires full sun exposure for at least 6 hours a day, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
Watering Needs
Russian tarragon requires moderate watering, with regular intervals in dry periods. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal for the plant. It's best to water the plant in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid direct sunlight on moist leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer should be applied to the plant 2-3 times a year, in early spring, mid-summer, and early fall. Overfertilization should be avoided as it can cause excessive foliage growth and reduced flavor intensity in the leaves.
Pruning
To promote healthy growth, Russian tarragon requires pruning every year. The best time to prune the plant is in early spring before the new growth appears. Cut back the older woody stems to encourage new growth from the base. Pinching off the tops of the young plants can also encourage bushy growth.
Propagation of Oligosporus dracunculus ssp. glaucus
Oligosporus dracunculus ssp. glaucus, commonly known as blue tarragon, is a perennial herb that is native to Asia. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is a close relative of the better-known culinary herb tarragon. Blue tarragon can be propagated in several ways:
Propagation by Seeds
Blue tarragon can be propagated by seeds, which are produced in the fall. The seeds are small and can be planted directly into the soil in late fall or early spring. The seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil and lightly covered with a thin layer of soil. Germination can take up to 14 days, and the seedlings should be thinned out to a spacing of 12-24 inches apart.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another way to propagate blue tarragon is through cuttings. Cuttings can be taken in the spring from new growth, and they should be about 3-4 inches in length. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. The cuttings can be covered with a plastic bag or a plastic dome to maintain humidity. After four to six weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation by Division
Division is another propagation method for blue tarragon. The plant can be divided in early spring or fall. The clumps can be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections with a sharp knife or shovel. Each division should have a healthy root system and several shoots. The divisions can be planted directly into the garden or into individual pots.
Disease and Pest Management for Oligosporus dracunculus (L.) Poljakov ssp. glaucus (Pallas ex Willd.) A.& D. Löve
As with all plants, Oligosporus dracunculus (L.) Poljakov ssp. glaucus (Pallas ex Willd.) A.& D. Löve is susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common ones and how to manage them:
Diseases
One disease that can affect Oligosporus dracunculus is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems. To manage it, remove infected plant material and increase air circulation around the plant. You can also apply a fungicide specifically labeled for powdery mildew.
Another disease that Oligosporus dracunculus is susceptible to is root rot. This can be caused by overwatering or poor soil drainage, leading to the roots becoming waterlogged and decaying. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant. If root rot is already present, you may need to remove the affected parts of the plant and treat the remaining plant with a fungicide.
Pests
One common pest that can affect Oligosporus dracunculus is aphids. These small insects suck the sap out of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage an aphid infestation, you can spray the plant with a gentle solution of water and dish soap or use a commercial insecticidal soap. You can also introduce natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Another pest that can affect Oligosporus dracunculus is spider mites. These tiny arachnids feed on the leaves, causing yellow or bronze discoloration and webbing. To manage a spider mite infestation, you can increase the humidity around the plant by misting it regularly or placing a humidifier nearby. You can also use a miticide specifically labeled for spider mites.
Overall, careful monitoring of Oligosporus dracunculus and prompt action at the first signs of disease or pest infestations can help to ensure a healthy and productive plant.
