When to Plant Tarragon in USDA Zone 7a
Your May game plan for Zone 7a
Your Zone 7a garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: tarragon
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 7a, the average last spring frost is around March 25 and the first fall frost is around November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
Tarragon Planting Timeline — Zone 7a
Where Is USDA Zone 7a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 7a. Click any state to see the Tarragon planting schedule for that location.
Tarragon Planting Calendar — Zone 7a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Aug 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 7a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 7a 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
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
221 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Tarragon in Zone
Sow every 6.9 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~221 days). Start Tarragon indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
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 7a?
In Zone 7a, plan your Tarragon planting around the average last frost date of March 25. Transplant seedlings around April 1.
Can Tarragon grow in Zone 7a?
Yes, Tarragon can grow well in Zone 7a, hardy in USDA zones 4a through 9b. Zone 7a has a growing season of approximately 221 days, which is sufficient for Tarragon (60-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Tarragon in Zone 7a?
In Zone 7a, expect to harvest Tarragon from June 3 – August 12. Tarragon takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 7a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 7a is around March 25, and the first fall frost is around November 1. This gives a growing season of approximately 221 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.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.