When to plant Tarragon in Reddick, FL
Plant Tarragon in Reddick during the brief February 22–March 8 window. With 290 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before December 1.
When to Plant Tarragon in Reddick, FL
July to-do list for Marion County, Florida
Your garden in Marion County, Florida is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
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Pick tarragon
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Reddick, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 15 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.
At an elevation of 244 feet, Marion County receives approximately 54.1 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.
Reddick Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Tarragon 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 Reddick
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–5.9) is more acidic than Tarragon prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Marion 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 (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Tarragon.
How to Plant Tarragon
Succession Planting Tarragon
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
Tarragon Water Budget
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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.7" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.7" | 2.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Marion 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 — Reddick, FL
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Harvest | April 26 | Apr 26 – Jul 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
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
289 days in Marion County
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Reddick
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after February 15 in Marion County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Marion County dries quickly — mulch Tarragon with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Marion County, provide afternoon shade for Tarragon and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Tarragon in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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
When should I plant Tarragon in Reddick, FL?
In Reddick, FL, plant Tarragon after the last frost (around February 15) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Reddick, FL for Tarragon?
Reddick sits in USDA Zone 9a. Tarragon grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tarragon grow in Reddick's climate?
Yes — Tarragon grows well in Reddick's temperate climate. Reddick averages a 290-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 15 and first frost around December 1.
Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marion 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.