When to Plant Sorrel in Middlesex County, MA
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.
Middlesex County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 117 feet, Middlesex County receives approximately 43.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season.
Middlesex County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Middlesex County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.7) overlaps with Sorrel's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Middlesex County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Sorrel.
How to Plant Sorrel
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Sorrel
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
Plant Water Budget
Sorrel Planting Timeline — Middlesex County, MA
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
176 days in Middlesex County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Middlesex County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after April 24 in Middlesex County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 176.0-day season in Middlesex County allows multiple plantings of Sorrel. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
General growing tips
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
Sorrel in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sorrel in Middlesex County, MA?
Middlesex County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Middlesex County, MA?
Middlesex County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Middlesex County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.