When to Plant Tarragon in St. Charles 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.
St. Charles Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 20 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 284 days.
At an elevation of 154 feet, St. Charles Parish receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Tarragon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Tarragon will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tarragon root diseases.
St. Charles Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.3
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 — St. Charles Parish, LA
Tarragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Harvest | May 1 | May 1 – Jul 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| 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 9a
Growing Season
284 days
Growing Tips for St. Charles 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tarragon in St. Charles Parish, LA?
St. Charles Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 20. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Charles Parish, LA?
St. Charles Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 20 and first fall frost is December 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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