When to Plant Tarragon in Los Alamos County, NM
What to do in May
Here's what deserves your attention in Los Alamos County, New Mexico this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Plant out tarragon
Your last frost (May 10) 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.
Los Alamos County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 5,220 feet, Los Alamos County receives approximately 12.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Tarragon will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Tarragon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Los Alamos County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7-8.6
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 Los Alamos County
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.0–8.6) is more alkaline than Tarragon prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Los Alamos County 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 (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Tarragon.
How to Plant Tarragon
Succession Planting Tarragon
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 09 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.7" | 0.3" | 1.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 1.7" | 0.4" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 1.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 1.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 1.1" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Los Alamos 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 — Los Alamos County, NM
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 27 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
150 days in Los Alamos County
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Los Alamos County
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after May 10 in Los Alamos County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Los Alamos County dries quickly — mulch Tarragon with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Los Alamos County, NM?
Los Alamos County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Los Alamos County, NM?
Los Alamos County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 7.
Your Los Alamos County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Los Alamos County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.