When to Plant Tarragon in Randolph 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.
Randolph County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 501 feet, Randolph County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season.
Randolph County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Tarragon Planting Timeline — Randolph County, IL
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 29 |
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
192 days
Growing Tips for Randolph 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 Randolph County, IL?
Randolph County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Randolph County, IL?
Randolph County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Randolph County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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