When to Plant Tarragon in Walsh County, ND
Walsh County, North Dakota gardeners: here's your May plan
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Move tarragon from tray to bed
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.
Walsh County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 553 feet, Walsh County receives approximately 32.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tarragon to ensure they mature before fall.
Walsh County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.5
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 Walsh County
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.5) is within Tarragon's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Walsh County is excellent for Tarragon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Tarragon.
How to Plant Tarragon
Succession Planting Tarragon
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 02 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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.7" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Walsh 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 — Walsh County, ND
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Oct 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Walsh County
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Walsh County
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after May 14 in Walsh 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 Walsh County, ND?
Walsh County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Walsh County, ND?
Walsh County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 30.
Your Walsh County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Walsh County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.