When to Plant Tarragon in Hillsdale County, MI
Your May game plan for Hillsdale County, Michigan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Hillsdale County, Michigan this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Get tarragon in the ground
Your last frost (April 29) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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.
Hillsdale County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.
At an elevation of 1,173 feet, Hillsdale County receives approximately 41.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season.
Hillsdale County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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 Hillsdale County
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) overlaps with Tarragon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hillsdale 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 16 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hillsdale 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 — Hillsdale County, MI
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 16 |
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
168 days in Hillsdale County
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Hillsdale County
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after April 29 in Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale County, MI?
Hillsdale County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hillsdale County, MI?
Hillsdale County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 14.
Your Hillsdale County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hillsdale 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.