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When to Plant Tarragon in Claiborne 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.

Claiborne Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 229 feet, Claiborne Parish receives approximately 59.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tarragon root diseases.

Claiborne Parish, LA (Zone 8a) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Claiborne Parish Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (90 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 22 – Jul 31
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (88 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 29 🍅 Harvest: May 31 – Aug 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (84 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Sep 2

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
1.1″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 421 gal / 100 sq ft
Tarragon needs ~1,425 GDD — county provides 4,332 GDD Excellent fit

Tarragon Planting Timeline โ€” Claiborne Parish, LA

Tarragon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 29 Mar 29 โ€“ Apr 12
Harvest May 31 May 31 โ€“ Aug 9

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 Harvest
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

228 days

Growing Tips for Claiborne 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 Claiborne Parish, LA?

Claiborne Parish is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Claiborne Parish, LA?

Claiborne Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 5.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Claiborne 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 Claiborne Parish, LA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.