When to Plant Tarragon in Terrebonne Parish, LA
April to-do list for Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana
A quick April briefing for Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Basket week: tarragon
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
May will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 7 and the first fall frost is December 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 304 days.
At an elevation of 484 feet, Terrebonne Parish receives approximately 61.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Tarragon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Tarragon will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tarragon root diseases.
Terrebonne Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.4
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 Terrebonne Parish
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.4) is more acidic than Tarragon prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Terrebonne Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Tarragon will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tarragon.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (2.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Tarragon.
How to Plant Tarragon
Succession Planting Tarragon
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 09 to harvest before frost.
Plant 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 | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.7" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.7" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.7" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Terrebonne 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 — Terrebonne Parish, LA
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Harvest | April 18 | Apr 18 – Jun 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
304 days in Terrebonne Parish
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Terrebonne Parish
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after February 07 in Terrebonne Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Terrebonne Parish dries quickly — mulch Tarragon with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Terrebonne Parish, provide afternoon shade for Tarragon and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Tarragon in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
With 62" of annual rainfall in Terrebonne Parish, ensure good drainage for Tarragon — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
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 Terrebonne Parish, LA?
Terrebonne Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 7. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Terrebonne Parish, LA?
Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 7 and first fall frost is December 8.
Your Terrebonne Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Terrebonne Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.