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When to Plant Tarragon in Atchison County, KS

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.

Atchison County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.

At an elevation of 678 feet, Atchison County receives approximately 25.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Tarragon to ensure they mature before fall.

Atchison County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
187 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
187 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Atchison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (42 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Aug 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (47 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Sep 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 19

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
0.4″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Tarragon needs ~975 GDD — county provides 2,431 GDD Excellent fit

Tarragon Planting Timeline โ€” Atchison County, KS

Tarragon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 โ€“ May 8
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 โ€“ Sep 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
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 5b

Growing Season

187 days

Growing Tips for Atchison 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 Atchison County, KS?

Atchison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Atchison County, KS?

Atchison County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 21.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Atchison County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Atchison County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.