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When to Plant Sorrel in Jackson County, AL

Sorrel is a perennial herb with tangy, lemon-flavored arrow-shaped leaves. It is one of the first greens to emerge in spring and is used in soups and salads.

Jackson County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

At an elevation of 302 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 59.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Sorrel, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sorrel root diseases.

Jackson County, AL (Zone 7a) Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
205 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (109 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 22 Transplant: Mar 22 🍅 Harvest: May 3 – Jul 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 3 Transplant: Mar 31 🍅 Harvest: May 12 – Jul 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: May 24 – Jul 26

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Sorrel needs ~988 GDD — county provides 4,048 GDD Excellent fit

Sorrel Planting Timeline โ€” Jackson County, AL

Sorrel Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 3 Mar 3 โ€“ Mar 17
Transplant Outdoors March 31 Mar 31 โ€“ Apr 14
Direct Sow March 24 Mar 24 โ€“ Apr 14
Fall Sowing August 20 Aug 20 โ€“ Sep 3
Harvest May 12 May 12 โ€“ Jul 14

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

40โ€“60 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7a

Growing Season

205 days

Growing Tips for Jackson County

Direct sow in early spring or fall. Remove flower stalks promptly to encourage leaf production. Divide clumps every 3-4 years. Young leaves have the best flavor.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sorrel in Jackson County, AL?

Jackson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, AL?

Jackson County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 29.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Jackson County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jackson County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.