When to Plant Sorrel in Niagara County, NY
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.
Niagara County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 1,192 feet, Niagara County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sorrel to ensure they mature before fall.
Niagara County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Sorrel Planting Timeline — Niagara County, NY
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Aug 5 |
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 |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
181 days
Growing Tips for Niagara 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
Sorrel in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sorrel in Niagara County, NY?
Niagara County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Niagara County, NY?
Niagara County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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