Tarragon is the anise-scented herb for chicken, fish, eggs and béarnaise sauce — a refined, unmistakable flavour that no other herb replaces. In Zone 8 it is a perennial that comes back year after year, provided it has sharp drainage and a sunny spot. One warning: the tarragon sold as seed is Russian tarragon, which is hardier but far milder — for the true French flavour, grow it from cuttings or a bought plant. This guide covers when to plant tarragon in Zone 8 and how to get the real thing.
Zone 8 at a glance
Zone 8 covers parts of the southern United States, the Pacific Northwest coast and parts of California, where average winter lows run 10 to 20°F. The average last spring frost falls Mar 1–15 and the average first autumn frost Nov 15–Dec 1. Those are USDA zone averages drawn from NOAA frost records, not exact dates for any one garden — frost dates vary by microclimate, elevation and year, so always check your local extension service and the forecast before planting. Use the frost date calculator for your own averages, and browse the planting calendar hub for the full Zone 8 year.
When to plant tarragon in Zone 8
| Step | Timing in Zone 8 |
|---|---|
| Start indoors | February to March, from cuttings or bought plants |
| Transplant outdoors | April, after hardening off |
| Divide established plants | March to April, every 2 to 3 years |
| Harvest | May to October; 60–90 days to maturity |
| Cut back | Late autumn, after the first frost |
Tarragon is hardy and can be planted in April, around the average last frost of Mar 1–15 — the Zone 8 April guide is a good window. Once established it is a perennial in Zone 8, dying back in winter and regrowing from the roots in spring. Use the herb drying calculator to work out dates for your own garden.
How to start tarragon
Grow French tarragon from cuttings or a bought plant — seed-grown tarragon is Russian tarragon, which is hardier but has a much weaker flavour. Take cuttings in spring from new growth, root them in gritty compost, and pot them up. Or divide an established plant in March to April. Transplant in April, spacing plants 18–24 inches apart, and harden off indoor-grown plants for a week first.
Soil, spacing and sun
Tarragon wants full sun and light, well-drained soil — it dislikes wet, heavy ground and prefers a pH of 6.0–7.5. Mix grit into clay soil, or grow it in a raised bed or a large pot. Space plants 18–24 inches apart. Do not feed it heavily: lean soil gives the best flavour, and rich soil makes lush growth that is weak-tasting.
| Fact | Range |
|---|---|
| Sun | full sun |
| Days to germination | 10–14 |
| Days to maturity | 60–90 |
| Spacing | 18–24 in |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Sowing method | both |
| Cold tolerance | hardy |
All figures are broad published ranges from standard horticultural references, and they vary by variety, soil and weather. Check your local extension service for advice on your own garden.
Watering and feeding
Water needs are low to moderate: water young plants until established, then water in dry spells only. Overwatering rots the roots, especially in winter, so let the soil dry between waterings and never let pots sit in water. In Zone 8's wet winters, drainage is more important than watering.
Companion planting
Tomatoes, peppers, marigolds and cabbage are listed companions, and tarragon is a good neighbour in the vegetable garden, where its scent is said to help other plants. Give it a sunny edge where it can grow without shading smaller crops, and keep it away from wet, low spots. The companions listed for tarragon in standard references are tomatoes, peppers, marigolds, cabbage.
Pests and problems
Aphids, slugs and thrips are the listed pests, but tarragon is generally trouble-free if it has sun and drainage. Wash aphids off with water, protect young shoots from slugs, and watch for thrips in hot, dry weather. Root rot from wet soil is the real threat — keep the ground free-draining. The pests most often listed for tarragon are aphids, slugs, thrips. Inspect plants weekly, act early while numbers are small, and encourage natural predators such as ladybirds and hoverflies.
Harvest and storage
Start picking 60–90 days after planting, once the plant is well established, cutting sprigs as needed — the flavour is best before flowering, in the morning after the dew has dried. Cut stems just above a leaf joint and never take more than a third of the plant at once. Tarragon dries reasonably well and freezes well in oil or water. In late autumn, after the first frost, cut the plant back to the ground; it will regrow from the roots in spring.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant tarragon in Zone 8?
Transplant cuttings or bought plants in April, around the average last frost of Mar 1–15. Divide established plants in March to April. Once established it is a perennial in Zone 8.
French or Russian tarragon?
French tarragon has the true anise flavour used in cooking, but it rarely sets seed — grow it from cuttings or a bought plant. Russian tarragon grows easily from seed but tastes much milder. For cooking, choose French.
Why did my tarragon die over winter?
Usually wet soil. Tarragon needs sharp drainage, especially in winter — on clay, grow it in a raised bed or a pot. It dies back naturally in winter and regrows in spring, so wait until spring before assuming it is dead.
How do I use tarragon?
Fresh leaves flavour chicken, fish, eggs, salads and sauces — it is the classic herb for béarnaise. Add it near the end of cooking, since long cooking dulls its flavour, and dry or freeze a glut for winter.
For the full year, browse the planting calendar hub. Compare with Tarragon in Zone 6, and see also Chives in Zone 8.