When to Plant Tarragon in Lafayette County, FL
What to do in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Lafayette County, Florida this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Collect tarragon at their peak
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: tarragon
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.
Lafayette 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 217 feet, Lafayette County receives approximately 57.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 94°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.
Lafayette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lafayette County
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Tarragon prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lafayette County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Tarragon will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tarragon.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Tarragon.
How to Plant Tarragon
Succession Planting Tarragon
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 28 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Tarragon
Tarragon needs approximately 0.4 inches of water per week (1.7" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tarragon Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lafayette County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tarragon Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Tarragon Planting Timeline — Lafayette 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
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.4"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Lafayette County
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Lafayette County
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after March 04 in Lafayette County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lafayette County dries quickly — mulch Tarragon with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Tarragon in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
With 57" of annual rainfall in Lafayette County, ensure good drainage for Tarragon — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
General growing tips
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 →
Tarragon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tarragon in Lafayette County, FL?
Lafayette 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 Lafayette County, FL?
Lafayette County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.
Your Lafayette County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lafayette 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.