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When to Plant Tarragon in Wetaskiwin, AB

French tarragon is a perennial herb with slender leaves and a distinctive anise-like flavor essential in French cooking. It does not produce viable seed and must be propagated vegetatively.

Wetaskiwin, Alberta is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.

At an elevation of 2,493 feet, Wetaskiwin receives approximately 17.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly dark brown chernozem soil. Summer highs average 70°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tarragon to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Tarragon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Wetaskiwin, AB (Zone 4b) Short season
147 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
147 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Wetaskiwin Soil Profile

Soil Type

Dark Brown Chernozem

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Tarragon

Tarragon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Tarragon Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Wetaskiwin). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Tarragon Planting Timeline — Wetaskiwin, AB

Tarragon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 – Jun 2
Harvest July 21 Jul 21 – Sep 29

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

📆 Growing Season

147 days in Wetaskiwin

Growing Tips for Wetaskiwin

Purchase plants or divisions as French tarragon does not grow true from seed. Plant in well-drained soil. Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor. Harvest tips regularly for best flavor.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tarragon in Wetaskiwin, AB?

Wetaskiwin is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wetaskiwin, AB?

Wetaskiwin, Alberta is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 6.

🌱

Your Wetaskiwin Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Wetaskiwin (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Wetaskiwin, AB. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.