Tarragon is the herb behind béarnaise sauce, French chicken dishes and tarragon vinegar — and it is one of the trickier herbs to grow in Zone 12. French tarragon loves cool summers and sharp drainage, and the hot, humid tropics are not its natural home. That does not mean you cannot grow it, but it does mean you should plant it with realistic expectations and give it the coolest, driest spot you have.
Like every crop in the tropics, tarragon rewards gardeners who work with Zone 12's seasons — the cooler, drier months and the hot, wet months — rather than against them. The planting calendar hub gives the Zone 12 picture month by month, and our guide to when to plant tarragon in Zone 11 shows how the timing shifts in a cooler zone.
Zone 12 at a glance
USDA Zone 12 covers the warmest, most tropical parts of the United States — Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Winters are warm, with average winter lows of 50 to 60°F, and the growing season never really ends.
Zone 12 is frost-free year-round: there is no average last spring frost and no average first autumn frost. That means you plant by heat and by the wet and dry seasons, not by frost dates. These are USDA zone averages, not exact figures for any one garden — always check your local extension service and the forecast before planting.
| Detail | Zone 12 guidance |
|---|---|
| Average winter low | 50 to 60°F |
| Average last spring frost | Frost-free (no frost dates) |
| Average first autumn frost | Frost-free (no frost dates) |
| Days to germination | 10–14 days |
| Days to maturity | 60–90 days |
| Sowing | start indoors or direct sow |
| Sun | full sun |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Spacing | 18–24 inches |
| Water needs | low |
| Cold tolerance | hardy |
When to plant tarragon in Zone 12
Plant tarragon in Zone 12 in the cool, dry season, from late autumn into winter, when temperatures are at their mildest and humidity is lowest. Because Zone 12 is frost-free, with winter lows of 50 to 60°F, there is no frost date to wait for — the question is heat, not cold. Seed germinates in 10–14 days and plants reach harvest size in 60–90 days, so a winter planting gives you a good spring harvest before the summer heat arrives. Check your local extension service for the best local planting window. See the Zone 12 November planting guide for what else to plant that month.
Starting tarragon in Zone 12
Start tarragon indoors from seed or buy young plants, and be aware that French tarragon rarely sets viable seed — most plants sold are grown from cuttings or divisions, which is a good sign, since seed-grown plants are usually the coarser Russian tarragon. Sow indoors and transplant out when seedlings are sturdy, spacing plants 18–24 inches apart. In Zone 12, growing tarragon in a pot is often the best plan: you can move it into afternoon shade in summer and keep its roots from sitting in wet soil.
Soil, spacing, sun and water
Tarragon needs full sun in cooler months, light afternoon shade in summer, and very well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. It hates wet feet more than almost any herb, so in Zone 12's rainy season plant it in a raised bed or a pot with plenty of grit mixed in. Water needs are low — water only when the soil is dry, and never let it sit soggy. Rich soil makes flavourless leaves, so go easy on the fertiliser and compost.
Companion planting
Good companions for tarragon include tomatoes, peppers, marigolds and cabbage. It is traditionally planted near vegetables as a general companion, and its aromatic leaves are said to deter some pests. Keep it away from plants that need constant moisture, since tarragon wants to dry out between waterings. The companion planting finder can suggest combinations for your whole bed.
Pests and problems
The common pests to watch for with tarragon are aphids, slugs and thrips. Aphids cluster on tender new growth — wash them off with water. Slugs are a real threat in the wet season, so keep mulch away from the crown and the soil surface dry. Thrips can silver the leaves in hot, dry spells; a strong spray of water and good air circulation help. The biggest problem in Zone 12 is usually not pests but root rot from wet soil — drainage matters more than anything.
Harvest and storage
Harvest tarragon 60–90 days after planting, once plants are well established. Pick young sprigs in the morning, when the aromatic oils are strongest, and use them fresh — tarragon loses much of its flavour when dried, though it freezes well in oil or water. Cut stems back by a third to encourage bushy growth, and never strip more than a third of the plant at once. In Zone 12, treat French tarragon as a short-lived perennial: enjoy it through the cool season and replant each year. Use the herb drying calculator to work out drying times for your harvest.
French tarragon vs Mexican tarragon in Zone 12
If French tarragon keeps failing for you, try Mexican tarragon, also called Texas tarragon or Tagetes lucida. It is not the same plant, but it has a very similar anise flavour, loves heat and humidity, and grows as a perennial in Zone 12 where French tarragon sulks. Sow it in the same cool-season window, give it full sun and good drainage, and harvest it the same way.
Many tropical gardeners grow both: French tarragon in a pot for the cool months, and Mexican tarragon in the ground for year-round picking. Taste them side by side in a sauce and you will see why the swap is worth making.
For a related crop, see our guide to when to plant marjoram in Zone 12.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant tarragon in Zone 12?
Plant in the cool, dry season, from late autumn into winter, when temperatures and humidity are at their lowest. Plants reach harvest size in 60–90 days, giving a good spring harvest before summer heat.
Does French tarragon grow well in Zone 12?
It is difficult — French tarragon prefers cool summers and sharp drainage, and tropical heat and humidity stress it. Grow it in a pot with afternoon shade, or try heat-loving Mexican tarragon instead.
Why does my tarragon keep dying?
Wet soil is the usual cause in Zone 12. Tarragon hates wet feet, so use a raised bed or pot with gritty, fast-draining soil and water only when the soil is dry.
Can I grow tarragon from seed?
French tarragon rarely sets viable seed, so buy plants grown from cuttings or divisions. Seed packets labelled tarragon are usually the coarser Russian tarragon.