Skip to content
🌿 Herb medium

Growing Tarragon in Des Moines

🇺🇸 Zone 2 Planting Guide · Hot-summer humid continental climate

USDA Zone 2 170 frost-free days 60-90 days to harvest

Quick Answer: Growing Tarragon in Des Moines

Yes, you can grow Tarragon in Des Moines, US! Plant during Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep for best results. Des Moines is in USDA Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate, offering 170 frost-free days per year. The difficulty level is medium, and Tarragon takes 60-90 days to harvest. Tarragon needs full sun and moderate watering.

Climate Match Analysis

Moderate Match Des Moines + Tarragon

Des Moines's climate requires careful timing. Winter lows (-12°C) drop below Tarragon's minimum (-10°C), so avoid cold months. Summer highs (30°C) exceed Tarragon's maximum (28°C), so plant early or provide shade. Follow the recommended planting months for success.

Tarragon tolerates -10°C to 28°C
Optimal: 12°C - 22°C
Des Moines range -12°C to 30°C

Des Moines Climate Data

USDA Zone
2
Frost-Free
170days
Winter Low
-12°C
Summer High
30°C
Rainfall
889mm/yr
Climate
Dfa
Hot-summer humid continental

Tarragon Planting Calendar for Des Moines

Green months show the best time to plant Tarragon in Des Moines

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant Tarragon Not recommended

Tarragon Growing Requirements

☀️

Sunlight

Full Sun

6+ hours direct sunlight

💧

Water

Moderate

Keep soil consistently moist

📅

Days to Harvest

60-90

From planting to first harvest

📊

Difficulty

medium

Some experience helpful

💡 Growing Tips for Tarragon

French tarragon can't be grown from seed -- buy plants. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost in your area, giving it a head start on the growing season. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Water steadily but avoid soggy soil. A 5-cm layer of organic mulch helps balance moisture and suppress weeds.

Frost tolerance: Tarragon is frost tolerant — you can plant earlier in spring.

How to Grow Tarragon in Des Moines

Des Moines, US is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa). With winter lows of -12°C and summer highs of 30°C, the growing season spans approximately 170 frost-free days. Tarragon grows well with some gardening knowledge in this climate.

Tarragon thrives in temperatures between 12°C and 22°C, requiring full sun and moderate watering. In Des Moines, the best months to plant Tarragon are March, April, May, August, September. Since Tarragon can tolerate frost, you have flexibility to plant earlier in the season or extend into cooler months. Expect to harvest in approximately 60-90 days after planting.

With 889mm of annual rainfall, Des Moines provides moderate natural moisture. This should be adequate for Tarragon's water needs.

Other Plants That Grow in Des Moines

More plants you can grow alongside Tarragon in Des Moines

Keep Exploring

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow tarragon in Des Moines?

Yes! Tarragon can be successfully grown in Des Moines, US. Des Moines is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate. The difficulty level for growing Tarragon here is rated "medium". The best months to plant are March, April, May, August, September.

When should I plant tarragon in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, the recommended planting months for Tarragon are March, April, May, August, September. Des Moines has 170 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of -12°C and summer highs of 30°C. Tarragon is frost tolerant, giving you more flexibility with planting dates.

How long does tarragon take to grow in Des Moines?

Tarragon typically takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest. In Des Moines's Hot-summer humid continental climate with 170 frost-free days, you have enough time with good planning to grow Tarragon to maturity. French tarragon can't be grown from seed -- buy plants. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost in your area, giving it a head start on the growing season. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Water steadily but avoid soggy soil. A 5-cm layer of organic mulch helps balance moisture and suppress weeds.

Can I grow tarragon indoors in Des Moines?

Tarragon can potentially be grown indoors in Des Moines with proper conditions. It requires full sun (6+ hours of direct light — a south-facing window or grow lights recommended). Indoor growing extends your season beyond the Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and moderate watering.

What month do I plant tarragon in Des Moines?

Plant Tarragon in Des Moines during March, April, May, August, September. These are the optimal months based on Des Moines's USDA Zone 2 climate, 170 frost-free days, and temperature range of -12°C to 30°C.

Is tarragon hard to grow in Des Moines?

Tarragon is rated "medium" to grow in Des Moines. Some gardening experience is helpful. Pay attention to watering schedules and planting timing. The climate match for Tarragon in Des Moines is Moderate.

What grows well with tarragon in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, you can grow many companion plants alongside Tarragon. Good options from the same planting window include Tomato, Basil, Lettuce, Carrot and 2 more. These plants share similar planting months and thrive in Des Moines's Zone 2 climate.

Does tarragon need full sun in Des Moines?

Tarragon requires full sun. In Des Moines, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Most garden locations with southern exposure will work well.

Last updated: March 2026 · Climate data from NOAA, FAO, USDA

See an error? Report it