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When to plant Tarragon in Hamilton County, FL

Hamilton County's short 267-day growing season means one Tarragon planting between March 11 and March 25. No fall crop in Zone 9a.

When to Plant Tarragon in Hamilton County, FL

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.

Hamilton County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 279 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 61.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Tarragon will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tarragon root diseases.

Hamilton County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Hamilton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-5.7

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 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 9.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Tarragon Planting Timeline — Hamilton County, FL

Tarragon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Harvest May 13 May 13 – Jul 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Transplant Outdoors
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

267 days in Hamilton County

Growing Tips for Hamilton County

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 Hamilton County, FL?

Hamilton County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hamilton County, FL?

Hamilton County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.

When should I plant Tarragon in Hamilton County, FL?

In Hamilton County, FL, plant Tarragon after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hamilton County, FL for Tarragon?

Hamilton County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Tarragon grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Tarragon grow in Hamilton County's climate?

Yes — Tarragon grows well in Hamilton County's temperate climate. Hamilton County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.

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Your Hamilton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hamilton County (Zone 9a). 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 Hamilton County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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