When to Plant Tarragon in Tazewell 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.
Tazewell County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 1,006 feet, Tazewell County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season.
Tazewell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.9
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 — Tazewell County, IL
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Sep 6 |
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 | Harvest |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
179 days
Growing Tips for Tazewell 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 Tazewell County, IL?
Tazewell County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tazewell County, IL?
Tazewell County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 15.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Tazewell County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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