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When to plant Tarragon in Hardin County, IL

Hardin County sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Tarragon April 11–April 25 for the single annual harvest; the October 31 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Tarragon in Hardin County, IL

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.

Hardin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.

At an elevation of 1,218 feet, Hardin County receives approximately 30.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season.

Hardin County, IL (Zone 7a) Long season
210 days
Last Spring Frost April 4
210 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Hardin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Tarragon Planting Timeline — Hardin County, IL

Tarragon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 – Apr 25
Harvest June 13 Jun 13 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

210 days in Hardin County

Growing Tips for Hardin 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 Hardin County, IL?

Hardin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hardin County, IL?

Hardin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is October 31.

When should I plant Tarragon in Hardin County, IL?

In Hardin County, IL, plant Tarragon after the last frost (around April 4) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hardin County, IL for Tarragon?

Hardin County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Tarragon grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Tarragon grow in Hardin County's climate?

Yes — Tarragon grows well in Hardin County's temperate climate. Hardin County averages a 210-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 4 and first frost around October 31.

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Your Hardin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hardin County (Zone 7a). 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 Hardin County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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