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When to Plant Tarragon in Franklin 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.

Franklin Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 248 days.

At an elevation of 300 feet, Franklin Parish receives approximately 58.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tarragon root diseases.

Franklin Parish, LA (Zone 8a) Long season
248 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
248 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Franklin Parish Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jul 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 16 🍅 Harvest: May 18 – Jul 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (99 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Aug 24

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 13 gal / 100 sq ft
Tarragon needs ~1,312 GDD — county provides 4,340 GDD Excellent fit

Tarragon Planting Timeline โ€” Franklin Parish, LA

Tarragon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Mar 30
Harvest May 18 May 18 โ€“ Jul 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
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

248 days

Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin Parish, LA?

Franklin Parish is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Franklin Parish, LA?

Franklin Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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