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When to Plant Tarragon in Edwards 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.

Edwards County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 4,265 feet, Edwards County receives approximately 61.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 102ยฐF, so Tarragon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” 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.

Edwards County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 8

Edwards County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.8-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (83 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Aug 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (80 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Aug 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (87 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Sep 5

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Tarragon needs ~1,988 GDD — county provides 5,830 GDD Excellent fit

Tarragon Planting Timeline โ€” Edwards County, TX

Tarragon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 23
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 โ€“ Aug 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

220 days

Growing Tips for Edwards 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 Edwards County, TX?

Edwards County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Edwards County, TX?

Edwards County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 8.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Edwards County 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 Edwards County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.