When to Plant Tarragon in Montgomery County, IL
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.
Montgomery County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 1,331 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 30.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season.
Montgomery County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
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.
Plant Water Budget
Tarragon Planting Timeline — Montgomery County, IL
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
191 days
Growing Tips for Montgomery 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
Tarragon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tarragon in Montgomery County, IL?
Montgomery County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montgomery County, IL?
Montgomery County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Montgomery County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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