This guide answers when to plant tarragon zone 7 with timing worked out from USDA Zone 7 frost-date averages, not guesswork. Tarragon is the anise-flavoured herb of French cooking — essential in béarnaise sauce, chicken dishes and herb vinegars — and in Zone 7 it is a hardy perennial that comes back year after year. It asks for very little: sun, well-drained soil and a light hand with water. Once established, a single plant gives you armfuls of feathery leaves all summer.
This guide covers when to plant tarragon zone 7, how to start it from seed, cuttings or division, what soil and spacing it needs, and how to harvest and store the leaves so the flavour lasts into winter.
Zone 7 at a glance
Zone 7 covers areas where average annual minimum temperatures run 0 to 10°F. The average last spring frost falls in the Mar 15–Apr 1 range and the average first autumn frost in the Nov 1–15 range — these are USDA zone averages, not exact dates for any one garden, so check your local extension service before planting tender crops outside. Use the frost date calculator to work out dates for your own garden, and browse the planting calendar hub for the full Zone 7 year.
When to plant tarragon in Zone 7
| Step | Timing in Zone 7 |
|---|---|
| Start indoors | February to March, or direct sow in spring |
| Direct sow outdoors | March to April, about 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost |
| Transplant outdoors | April, once seedlings are sturdy |
| Divide established plants | March to April, every few years in spring |
| Harvest | June to September, cutting sprigs as needed |
The table above is the short answer. Tarragon is hardy, so it can go out weeks before the last frost. Sow indoors in February to March, or direct sow in March to April, about 2 to 4 weeks before the average last frost range of Mar 15–Apr 1. Established plants start growing again in early spring on their own, and spring division in March to April is the most reliable way to get new plants. The average first frost in the Nov 1–15 range ends the picking season, though the roots survive winter and regrow in spring. The Zone 7 March guide shows what else is happening in the garden in that month.
How to plant tarragon
Sow seed indoors in February to March, or direct sow in March to April on the surface — the seed needs light to germinate, so press it into the soil without covering it. Germination takes 10–14 days. Note that seed-grown tarragon is usually the milder Russian type; French tarragon, the one prized for cooking, does not come true from seed, so buy a plant or take cuttings or divisions from an existing plant instead. Set plants out in April, spacing them 18–24 inches apart, and harden seedlings off for a week before they go outside.
Give tarragon full sun — at least six hours of direct sun a day for full-sun crops, or morning sun with afternoon shade where part shade is listed. Prepare the bed by forking in compost and removing stones and weeds, and check the soil pH: tarragon prefers 6.0–7.5. Space plants 18–24 inches apart — the spacing in the table below — and sow seed at the depth on the packet, keeping the seedbed moist until germination, which takes 10–14 days.
| Fact | Range |
|---|---|
| Sun | full sun |
| Days to germination | 10–14 |
| Days to maturity | 60–90 |
| Spacing | 18–24 inches |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Sowing method | both |
| Cold tolerance | hardy |
| Water needs | low |
Watering and feeding
Tarragon has low water needs: keep the soil moist until plants are established, then water only in dry spells. Overwatering is the most common mistake — wet soil in winter kills more tarragon than cold does. Mulch lightly with gravel or coarse compost to keep the crown dry, and water at the base in the morning so leaves dry before night.
Companion plants and rotation
Good companions for tarragon include tomatoes, peppers, marigolds, cabbage. It is a quiet neighbour that fits well at the edge of a herb or vegetable bed. Rotate annual crops each year rather than planting the same family in the same spot. Also see our guide to when to plant basil in Zone 7, another classic cooking herb for a Zone 7 bed.
Use the companion planting finder to plan combinations for your whole bed.
Pests and problems
The common pests for tarragon are aphids, slugs, thrips. It has few problems in Zone 7: aphids may cluster on tender tips and can be washed off with water, and slugs may nibble young seedlings, so protect them until established. Good air flow helps — do not crowd plants — and clearing away dead leaves and debris removes places where pests hide. Wet, crowded conditions cause far more trouble than insects. Check plants weekly, looking under leaves as well as on top, and clear away dead leaves and debris where pests hide.
Harvesting and storing
Pick sprigs from June to September, about 60–90 days after sowing, cutting the top few inches of stems to encourage bushy growth. Pick in the morning, when the leaves are dry and their flavour is at its best, and use a sharp knife or scissors for a clean cut. Use leaves fresh, or dry them in small bunches in a shady, airy place and store in a sealed jar away from light. You can also steep fresh sprigs in white wine vinegar for a few weeks to make tarragon vinegar. Cut plants back lightly after flowering and they will often push out a fresh flush of leaves.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant tarragon in Zone 7?
Direct sow in March to April, about 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost, or start indoors in February to March. Work back from the average last frost range of Mar 15–Apr 1. These are zone averages, so check your local extension service for your area.
Is French tarragon the same as seed-grown tarragon?
No — French tarragon rarely sets viable seed, so seed packets usually grow Russian tarragon, which is hardier but milder in flavour. For the classic anise flavour, buy a plant or take cuttings or divisions from a known French tarragon plant.
How long does tarragon take to grow?
About 60–90 days to maturity from sowing or transplanting, depending on variety and weather. Germination takes 10–14 days. Warm, sunny weather speeds growth; cold or cloudy weather slows it, so treat these as ranges, not exact dates.
What soil pH does tarragon need?
A pH of 6.0–7.5 is ideal. Test your soil before planting and amend it if needed — your local extension service can test a sample and advise on what to add.