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When to Plant Tarragon in Bexar County, TX

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.

Bexar County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.

At an elevation of 3,197 feet, Bexar County receives approximately 52.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Tarragon during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tarragon root diseases.

Bexar County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
251 days
Last Spring Frost March 11
251 growing days
First Fall Frost November 17

Bexar County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 8 🍅 Harvest: May 10 – Jul 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 18 🍅 Harvest: May 20 – Jul 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Aug 25

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 286 gal / 100 sq ft
Tarragon needs ~1,481 GDD — county provides 4,957 GDD Excellent fit

Tarragon Planting Timeline โ€” Bexar County, TX

Tarragon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 18 Mar 18 โ€“ Apr 1
Harvest May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jul 29

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 8b

Growing Season

251 days

Growing Tips for Bexar 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 Bexar County, TX?

Bexar County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bexar County, TX?

Bexar County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 17.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Bexar County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Bexar County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.