When to Plant Tarragon in USDA Zone 9a
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 9a, the average last spring frost is around February 10 and the first fall frost is around December 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.
Tarragon Planting Timeline — Zone 9a
Where Is USDA Zone 9a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 9a. Click any state to see the Tarragon planting schedule for that location.
Tarragon Planting Calendar — Zone 9a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Harvest | April 21 | Apr 21 – Jun 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 9a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 9a 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 25°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
303 days (Zone 9a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Tarragon in Zone 9a
Sow every 6.9 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Tarragon in Zone 9a
Zone 9a offers a long growing season (~303 days). You can plant Tarragon earlier and may get multiple harvests.
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
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
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 9a?
In Zone 9a, plan your Tarragon planting around the average last frost date of February 10. Transplant seedlings around February 17.
Can Tarragon grow in Zone 9a?
Yes, Tarragon can grow well in Zone 9a, hardy in USDA zones 4a through 9b. Zone 9a has a growing season of approximately 303 days, which is sufficient for Tarragon (60-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Tarragon in Zone 9a?
In Zone 9a, expect to harvest Tarragon from April 21 – June 30. Tarragon takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 9a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 9a is around February 10, and the first fall frost is around December 10. This gives a growing season of approximately 303 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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