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When to Plant Tarragon in Falls 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.

Falls County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 241 days.

At an elevation of 66 feet, Falls County receives approximately 66.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 97ยฐF, so Tarragon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Tarragon, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tarragon root diseases.

Falls County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
241 days
Last Spring Frost March 17
241 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Falls County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7.1-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 13 🍅 Harvest: May 15 – Jul 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 24 🍅 Harvest: May 26 – Aug 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (94 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Aug 26

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
Tarragon needs ~1,706 GDD — county provides 5,482 GDD Excellent fit

Tarragon Planting Timeline โ€” Falls County, TX

Tarragon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 24 Mar 24 โ€“ Apr 7
Harvest May 26 May 26 โ€“ Aug 4

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

241 days

Growing Tips for Falls 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 Falls County, TX?

Falls County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 17. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Falls County, TX?

Falls County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and first fall frost is November 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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