When to Plant Sorrel in Dyer County, TN
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.
Dyer County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 1,191 feet, Dyer County receives approximately 51.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sorrel root diseases.
Dyer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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 Dyer County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) is within Sorrel's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dyer County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). 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 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 19.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Sorrel
Sorrel needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sorrel Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dyer County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sorrel Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Sorrel Planting Timeline — Dyer County, TN
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| 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 | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Dyer County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Dyer County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after April 02 in Dyer County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 209.0-day season in Dyer 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sorrel in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sorrel in Dyer County, TN?
Dyer County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dyer County, TN?
Dyer County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is October 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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