When to plant tarragon in Baltimore, Maryland
March 24 – April 7
Transplant outdoors · typical Baltimore yearClimate basis: NOAA station Md Sci Ctr Baltimore, MD (USW00093784), 1 mi (2 km) from downtown Baltimore (ZCTA 21202 centroid), elevation 20 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant tarragon outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (March 24). One year in ten still freezes after April 4.
The Baltimore year
- indoors under lights
- in the garden
- frost-free season
- 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 4
Every method, with its sources
Transplant outdoors
Mar 24 – Apr 7USU Extension says to transplant French tarragon in the spring after the last frost so the tender young shoots survive, a point rule that opens a two-week planting span at the last spring freeze. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Mar 24). Utah State University Extension · Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech
Start seeds indoors
Not calculatedThe cited extension guides do not time an indoor seed-starting window for this crop.
Direct-sow outdoors
Not calculatedThe cited extension guides do not time direct sowing for this crop.
Fall planting
Not calculatedNo source-backed fall planting rule exists for this crop in the registry, so no fall window is calculated.
Variety assumption: Assumes French tarragon, which Virginia Cooperative Extension says can only be propagated asexually — seed-grown plants are the flavourless Russian type — so no seed-sowing window is given.
These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.
Crop rule sources (2)
- Utah State University Extension: How to Grow French Tarragon in Your Garden (accessed 2026-07-25)"Transplant French tarragon in the spring, after the last frost, to ensure the survival of tender young shoots."
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech: Herb Culture and Use (Publication 426-420) (accessed 2026-07-25)"In addition, many culinary herbs, such as tarragon, can only be propagated asexually; seed-grown plants lack the oils that give them flavor."