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When to Plant Tarragon in Sedgwick County, CO

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.

Sedgwick County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.

At an elevation of 7,669 feet, Sedgwick County receives approximately 20.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season.

Sedgwick County, CO (Zone 5a) Moderate season
157 days
Last Spring Frost May 4
157 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

Sedgwick County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (17 days to spare)
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Sep 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (17 days to spare)
Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Sep 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (14 days to spare)
Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Oct 3

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 757 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Tarragon needs ~1,088 GDD — county provides 2,276 GDD Excellent fit

Tarragon Planting Timeline โ€” Sedgwick County, CO

Tarragon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 โ€“ May 25
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 โ€“ Sep 21

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5a

Growing Season

157 days

Growing Tips for Sedgwick County

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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tarragon in Sedgwick County, CO?

Sedgwick County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sedgwick County, CO?

Sedgwick County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 8.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Sedgwick County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Sedgwick County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.