When to plant Tarragon in De Soto Parish County,
De Soto Parish County sits in cold Zone 8b. Plant Tarragon March 18–April 1 for the single annual harvest; the November 16 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Tarragon in De Soto Parish, LA
Top priorities for De Soto Parish, Louisiana gardeners in June
Here's what deserves your attention in De Soto Parish, Louisiana this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Start harvesting tarragon
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
De Soto Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.
At an elevation of 327 feet, De Soto Parish receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tarragon root diseases.
De Soto Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.7
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 De Soto Parish
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.7) is within Tarragon's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in De Soto Parish is excellent for Tarragon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tarragon.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Tarragon.
How to Plant Tarragon
Succession Planting Tarragon
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 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 | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in De Soto Parish). 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 — De Soto Parish, LA
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Harvest | May 20 | May 20 – Jul 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
250 days in De Soto Parish
Growing Tips for Tarragon in De Soto Parish
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after March 11 in De Soto Parish 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 De Soto Parish, LA?
De Soto Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is De Soto Parish, LA?
De Soto Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 16.
When should I plant Tarragon in De Soto Parish County, ?
In De Soto Parish County, , plant Tarragon after the last frost (around March 11) and before the first frost (around November 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is De Soto Parish County, for Tarragon?
De Soto Parish County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Tarragon grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tarragon grow in De Soto Parish County's climate?
Yes — Tarragon grows well in De Soto Parish County's temperate climate. De Soto Parish County averages a 250-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 11 and first frost around November 16.
Your De Soto Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for De Soto Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.