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When to plant Tarragon in Lake County, FL

Plant Tarragon in Lake County during the brief February 19–March 5 window. With 303 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before December 11.

When to Plant Tarragon in Lake 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.

Lake County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 302 days.

At an elevation of 130 feet, Lake County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Tarragon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Lake County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
302 days
Last Spring Frost February 12
302 growing days
First Fall Frost December 11

Lake County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-5.7

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 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 8.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

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

Tarragon Planting Timeline — Lake County, FL

Tarragon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Harvest April 23 Apr 23 – Jul 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Transplant Outdoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April Harvest
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 9b

📆 Growing Season

302 days in Lake County

Growing Tips for Lake 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 Lake County, FL?

Lake County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 12. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lake County, FL?

Lake County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and first fall frost is December 11.

When should I plant Tarragon in Lake County, FL?

In Lake County, FL, plant Tarragon after the last frost (around February 12) and before the first frost (around December 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lake County, FL for Tarragon?

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

Can Tarragon grow in Lake County's climate?

Yes — Tarragon grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 303-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 12 and first frost around December 11.

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Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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