When to Plant Tarragon in Kenedy County, TX
What to do in May
Each item below is timed to Kenedy County, Texas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Basket week: tarragon
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Kenedy County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.
At an elevation of 1,757 feet, Kenedy County receives approximately 58.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Tarragon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tarragon root diseases.
Kenedy County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.5
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 Kenedy County
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.5) is within Tarragon's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kenedy County is excellent for Tarragon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Tarragon.
How to Plant Tarragon
Succession Planting Tarragon
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 14 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.7" | 2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 1.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.7" | 1.4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Kenedy 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 — Kenedy County, TX
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Harvest | April 24 | Apr 24 – Jul 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
303 days in Kenedy County
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Kenedy County
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after February 13 in Kenedy County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 101°F in Kenedy County, provide afternoon shade for Tarragon and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Tarragon in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
With 59" of annual rainfall in Kenedy 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 Kenedy County, TX?
Kenedy County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kenedy County, TX?
Kenedy County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 13.
Your Kenedy County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kenedy County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.