When to Plant Tarragon in Grant County, WA
May in Grant County, Washington — your action list
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Grant County, Washington this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Move tarragon into the garden
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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.
Grant County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 3,122 feet, Grant County receives approximately 17.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Tarragon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Grant County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
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 Grant County
How your county's soil matches Tarragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.8) overlaps with Tarragon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Grant County is excellent for Tarragon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.7%) — Tarragon will thrive.
How to Plant Tarragon
Succession Planting Tarragon
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 12 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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 1.5" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 1.7" | 1.1" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 1.7" | 0.7" | 1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 0.2" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 0.4" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 1.7" | 0.6" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 1.7" | 1.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Grant 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 — Grant County, WA
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 16 |
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
164 days in Grant County
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Grant County
Direct sow Tarragon outdoors after April 29 in Grant 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 Grant County, WA?
Grant County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grant County, WA?
Grant County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 10.
Your Grant County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Grant 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.