When to Plant Tarragon in Navarro County, TX
Navarro County, Texas gardeners: here's your May plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Navarro County, Texas this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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It's harvest week for tarragon
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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.
Navarro County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 248 days.
At an elevation of 221 feet, Navarro County receives approximately 70.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Tarragon, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tarragon root diseases.
Navarro County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7-7.7
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 Navarro County
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.0–7.7) overlaps with Tarragon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (45% clay) in Navarro County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Tarragon.
How to Plant Tarragon
Succession Planting Tarragon
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 10.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 12.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Navarro 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 — Navarro County, TX
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Harvest | May 20 | May 20 – Jul 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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
248 days in Navarro County
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Navarro County
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after March 11 in Navarro County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Navarro County's clay soil (45% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Tarragon. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Tarragon in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
With 70" of annual rainfall in Navarro 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 Navarro County, TX?
Navarro County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Navarro County, TX?
Navarro County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 14.
Your Navarro County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Navarro 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.