Suitability of French Tarragon
as a commercial culinary herb crop
PROJECT
LEADER(S): Willie Wilson for
Jerry Walden
LOCATION: Estelle Farms,
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IMPACT Demand
for fresh cut culinary herbs is increasing in the southern piedmont region of
NC. Initial trials show that French Tarragon can be grown in |
INTRODUCTION
Use
of fresh cut culinary herbs has been on the increase in the last few years.
This trend will continue as people assume healthier eating habits and the
number of restaurants that use fresh herbs increases. The use of fresh herbs as compared to dried
or processed is continually growing, especially among formally trained chefs.
With the recent opening of a major culinary arts university in
METHODS
Two
methods were used for this trial; 1 – Hydroponic using perlite as the growing
medium with a continuous flow standard 1200ppm nutrient solution at a pH of
6.3. The crop was grown on 4’x10’ raised tables with 5” plant and row
spacing. 2 – This method involved the
potting of the plants in a peat lite mix composed of 55% Canadian Sphagnum
Peat, perlite, and vermiculite. These
plants were place on a 30 day fertilization plan using and all purpose 15-30-15
fertilizer and water as required to maintain the potting mix moist.
RESULTS
The
rate of growth was 1/3 faster for the hydroponic method as opposed to the
potted plants with the former reaching harvest size in five weeks compared to
seven weeks for the latter. The initial
harvest from the hydroponic crop yielded 5lbs, per table or 1lb.per 8 square
feet of growing space, with a 3 week recovery period to the second harvest. As
the plants propagate from the roots, the plant density increases and the per harvest
amounts increase i.e. after six months the per harvest amount was 8lbs. per
table. The initial harvest for the potted plants yielded 1lb. per 55 plants,
with a recovery period of five weeks to next harvest. As these plants
propagated the yields increased to 1lb. per 40 plants.
CONCLUSION
French
Tarragon can be grown successfully in this region of NC. If grown in a conventional outdoor setting,
beds are recommended to maximize plant density and space utilization.
TABLES & PHOTOS
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Setting Tarragon hydroponically |
Tarragon, hydroponic, 4 weeks |
