When to Plant Tarragon in Henderson County, TX
Your May planting checklist for Henderson County, Texas
Welcome to May in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Pick tarragon
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Henderson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 252 days.
At an elevation of 290 feet, Henderson County receives approximately 72.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tarragon root diseases.
Henderson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 Henderson County
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Tarragon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Henderson County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Tarragon will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Tarragon.
How to Plant Tarragon
Succession Planting Tarragon
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 10.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 11.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 10.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Henderson 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 — Henderson County, TX
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | May 18 | May 18 – Jul 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
252 days in Henderson County
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Henderson County
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after March 09 in Henderson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Henderson 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.
With 73" of annual rainfall in Henderson County, 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 Henderson County, TX?
Henderson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Henderson County, TX?
Henderson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Henderson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Henderson County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.