When to Plant Tarragon in Montague County, TX
Top priorities for Montague County, Texas gardeners in May
Each item below is timed to Montague County, Texas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Montague County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.
At an elevation of 4,867 feet, Montague County receives approximately 58.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tarragon root diseases.
Montague County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
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 Montague County
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.3) is within Tarragon's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Montague County is excellent for Tarragon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (2.0%). 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 08 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 10.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Montague 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 — Montague County, TX
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Aug 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
223 days in Montague County
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Montague County
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after March 28 in Montague 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.
With 58" of annual rainfall in Montague 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 Montague County, TX?
Montague County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montague County, TX?
Montague County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Montague County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Montague County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.