When to Plant Tarragon in USDA Zone 5a
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.
In Zone 5a, the average last spring frost is around April 25 and the first fall frost is around October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
Tarragon Planting Timeline — Zone 5a
Where Is USDA Zone 5a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 5a. Click any state to see the Tarragon planting schedule for that location.
Tarragon Planting Calendar — Zone 5a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Sep 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 5a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 5a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
-20°F to -15°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
166 days (Zone 5a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Tarragon in Zone 5a
Sow every 6.9 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Zone 5a
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
Saving Tarragon Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Related Plants
Tarragon in Other Zones
Tarragon by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tarragon in Zone 5a?
In Zone 5a, plan your Tarragon planting around the average last frost date of April 25. Transplant seedlings around May 2.
Can Tarragon grow in Zone 5a?
Yes, Tarragon can grow well in Zone 5a, hardy in USDA zones 4a through 9b. Zone 5a has a growing season of approximately 166 days, which is sufficient for Tarragon (60-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Tarragon in Zone 5a?
In Zone 5a, expect to harvest Tarragon from July 4 – September 12. Tarragon takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 5a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 5a is around April 25, and the first fall frost is around October 8. This gives a growing season of approximately 166 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Tarragon?
Good companion plants for Tarragon include Tomatoes, Eggplant, Peppers. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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