When to Plant Tarragon in Fulton County, IN
Your May planting checklist for Fulton County, Indiana
May is a pivotal month for Fulton County, Indiana gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Set out tarragon seedlings
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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.
Fulton County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 829 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tarragon to ensure they mature before fall.
Fulton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.3
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 Fulton County
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.3) overlaps with Tarragon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Fulton County is excellent for Tarragon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tarragon.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Tarragon will thrive.
How to Plant Tarragon
Succession Planting Tarragon
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Fulton 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 — Fulton County, IN
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Sep 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Fulton County
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Fulton County
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after April 25 in Fulton 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 Fulton County, IN?
Fulton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fulton County, IN?
Fulton County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Fulton County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Fulton County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.