When to Plant Tarragon in Shenandoah County, VA
Your May gardening checklist
Welcome to May in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Move tarragon into the garden
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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.
Shenandoah County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 475 feet, Shenandoah County receives approximately 44.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season.
Shenandoah County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
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 Shenandoah County
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.8) overlaps with Tarragon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Shenandoah County is excellent for Tarragon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tarragon.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Tarragon.
How to Plant Tarragon
Succession Planting Tarragon
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 20 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 | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Shenandoah 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 — Shenandoah County, VA
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Sep 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
176 days in Shenandoah County
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Shenandoah County
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after April 25 in Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah County, VA?
Shenandoah County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Shenandoah County, VA?
Shenandoah County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 18.
Your Shenandoah County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Shenandoah County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.