When to plant Tarragon in Pulaski County, IL
Pulaski County's short 196-day growing season means one Tarragon planting between April 16 and April 30. No fall crop in Zone 7a.
When to Plant Tarragon in Pulaski County, IL
Top priorities for Pulaski County, Illinois gardeners in June
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Pulaski County, Illinois this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Basket week: tarragon
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 1,244 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season.
Pulaski County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.1
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 Pulaski County
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.1) is within Tarragon's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pulaski County is excellent for Tarragon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Tarragon.
How to Plant Tarragon
Succession Planting Tarragon
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 to harvest before frost.
Tarragon 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pulaski 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 — Pulaski County, IL
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.4"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Pulaski County
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Pulaski County
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after April 09 in Pulaski County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tarragon in Pulaski County, IL?
Pulaski County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pulaski County, IL?
Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Tarragon in Pulaski County, IL?
In Pulaski County, IL, plant Tarragon after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pulaski County, IL for Tarragon?
Pulaski 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 Pulaski County's climate?
Yes — Tarragon grows well in Pulaski County's temperate climate. Pulaski County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 22.
Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski 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.