Sorrel Growing Guide
Polygonaceae family
Days to Harvest40 days
SunlightPart Sun / Part Shade
Frost ToleranceHeavy
Spacing4/sqft (6" apart)
Germination7-14 days
HardinessVery Hardy
Germ. Temp65°F
Start Indoors6 weeks before last frost
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Early Vegetative
- Late Vegetative / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 13 | May 11 | May 4 | Jun 25 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 13 | May 11 | May 4 | Jun 25 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 3 | May 1 | Apr 24 | Jun 15 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 13 | May 11 | May 4 | Jun 25 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 10 | May 8 | May 1 | Jun 22 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 3 | May 1 | Apr 24 | Jun 15 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 14 | Jun 5 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 10 | Jun 1 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 7 | May 29 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 7 | May 29 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 7 | May 29 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 25 | May 16 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 25 | May 16 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 27 | Mar 27 | Mar 20 | May 11 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 22 | Mar 22 | Mar 15 | May 6 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 8 | Mar 8 | Mar 1 | Apr 22 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Feb 27 | Apr 20 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 27 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Apr 10 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 9 | Feb 6 | Jan 30 | Mar 23 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 7 | Feb 28 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 7 | Feb 28 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Dec 25 | Feb 15 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 20 | Dec 18 | Dec 11 | Feb 1 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 20 | Dec 18 | Dec 11 | Feb 1 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 20 | Dec 18 | Dec 11 | Feb 1 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 20 | Dec 18 | Dec 11 | Feb 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Sorrel?
Sorrel takes approximately 40 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Sorrel need?
Sorrel requires part sun / part shade.
How far apart should I plant Sorrel?
Plant Sorrel at 4/sqft (6" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Sorrel survive frost?
Sorrel is tolerant of heavy frost and can withstand freezing temperatures.
How long does Sorrel take to germinate?
Sorrel seeds germinate in 7-14 days at an optimal temperature of 65°F.
When should I start Sorrel seeds indoors?
Start Sorrel seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant -2 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- One of the first greens to emerge in spring
- Remove flower stalks to prolong leaf production
- Perennial and very low maintenance once established
Common Pests & Diseases
- Slugs
- Aphids
- Generally trouble-free
Harvest Notes
Pick young leaves for salads or larger leaves for cooking. Harvest outer leaves regularly. Flavor is most intense on hot days.
Plan Your Sorrel Garden
Track Sorrel from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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