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When to Plant Tarragon in Caddo Parish, LA

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.

Caddo Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.

At an elevation of 446 feet, Caddo Parish receives approximately 49 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season.

Caddo Parish, LA (Zone 8a) Long season
246 days
Last Spring Frost March 13
246 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Caddo Parish Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Jul 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (106 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 22 – Jul 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: Jun 12 – Aug 21

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 429 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Tarragon needs ~1,425 GDD — county provides 4,674 GDD Excellent fit

Tarragon Planting Timeline โ€” Caddo Parish, LA

Tarragon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 3
Harvest May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jul 31

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
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 8a

Growing Season

246 days

Growing Tips for Caddo Parish

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 Caddo Parish, LA?

Caddo Parish is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Caddo Parish, LA?

Caddo Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 14.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Caddo Parish gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Caddo Parish, LA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.