When to plant Tarragon in Monroe County, IA
Monroe County's 170-day season only supports one Tarragon planting per year. Sow between May 3 and May 17 for the best chance at full maturity before October 13.
When to Plant Tarragon in Monroe County, IA
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.
Monroe County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 968 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 32.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Tarragon Planting Timeline — Monroe County, IA
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Sep 13 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Monroe 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 →
Tarragon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tarragon in Monroe County, IA?
Monroe County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, IA?
Monroe County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Tarragon in Monroe County, IA?
In Monroe County, IA, plant Tarragon after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Monroe County, IA for Tarragon?
Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Tarragon grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tarragon grow in Monroe County's climate?
Yes — Tarragon grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 13.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.