When to Plant Tarragon in USDA Zone 9a
May to-do list for Zone 9a
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Zone 9a this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Harvest tarragon as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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 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
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
303 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 (~303 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
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Saving Tarragon Seeds
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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 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.
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.