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When to Plant Tarragon in Ward 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.

Ward County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.

At an elevation of 2,652 feet, Ward County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, 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.

Ward County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
230 days
Last Spring Frost March 25
230 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Ward 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 (86 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 25 🍅 Harvest: May 27 – Aug 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (90 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: Jun 3 – Aug 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (85 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Sep 3

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
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 802 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Tarragon needs ~1,762 GDD — county provides 5,405 GDD Excellent fit

Tarragon Planting Timeline โ€” Ward County, TX

Tarragon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 15
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 โ€“ Aug 12

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 7b

Growing Season

230 days

Growing Tips for Ward 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 Ward County, TX?

Ward County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Tarragon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ward County, TX?

Ward County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Ward County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Ward County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.