When to Plant Tarragon in Onondaga County, NY
May in Onondaga County, New York — your action list
A quick May briefing for Onondaga County, New York gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Harden off and plant tarragon
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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.
Onondaga County, New York is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 731 feet, Onondaga County receives approximately 45.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tarragon to ensure they mature before fall.
Onondaga County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.8
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 Onondaga County
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.8) is more acidic than Tarragon prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Onondaga County is excellent for Tarragon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). 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
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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Onondaga 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 — Onondaga County, NY
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 25 |
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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Onondaga County
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Onondaga County
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after May 08 in Onondaga 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 Onondaga County, NY?
Onondaga County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Onondaga County, NY?
Onondaga County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 14.
Your Onondaga County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Onondaga 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.