When to Plant Tarragon in USDA Zone 8a
What to do in June
Your garden in Zone 8a is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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It's harvest week for tarragon
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
July prep starts now
- 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 8a, the average last spring frost is around March 8 and the first fall frost is around November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.
Tarragon Planting Timeline — Zone 8a
Where Is USDA Zone 8a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 8a. Click any state to see the Tarragon planting schedule for that location.
Tarragon Planting Calendar — Zone 8a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Harvest | May 17 | May 17 – Jul 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 8a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 8a 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
10°F to 15°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
255 days (Zone 8a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Tarragon in Zone 8a
Sow every 6.9 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Zone 8a
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
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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 8a?
In Zone 8a, plan your Tarragon planting around the average last frost date of March 8. Transplant seedlings around March 15.
Can Tarragon grow in Zone 8a?
Yes, Tarragon can grow well in Zone 8a, hardy in USDA zones 4a through 9b. Zone 8a has a growing season of approximately 255 days, which is sufficient for Tarragon (60-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Tarragon in Zone 8a?
In Zone 8a, expect to harvest Tarragon from May 17 – July 26. Tarragon takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 8a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 8a is around March 8, and the first fall frost is around November 18. This gives a growing season of approximately 255 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 Zone 8a Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner tailored to Zone 8a. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.