When to Plant Sorrel in USDA Zone 7a
Your May planting checklist for Zone 7a
Your Zone 7a garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Start sorrel indoors
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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Bring in the sorrel
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: sorrel
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.
In Zone 7a, the average last spring frost is around March 25 and the first fall frost is around November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
Sorrel Planting Timeline — Zone 7a
Where Is USDA Zone 7a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 7a. Click any state to see the Sorrel planting schedule for that location.
Sorrel Planting Calendar — Zone 7a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Direct Sow | March 11 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 |
| Harvest | April 29 | Apr 29 – Jul 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
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 Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 7a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 7a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
221 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Sorrel in Zone
Sow every 4.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~221 days). Start Sorrel indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
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Saving Sorrel Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Related Plants
Sorrel in Other Zones
Sorrel by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sorrel in Zone 7a?
In Zone 7a, plan your Sorrel planting around the average last frost date of March 25. Start seeds indoors around February 18. Direct sow outdoors around March 11. Transplant seedlings around March 18.
Can Sorrel grow in Zone 7a?
Yes, Sorrel can grow well in Zone 7a, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 9b. Zone 7a has a growing season of approximately 221 days, which is sufficient for Sorrel (40-60 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Sorrel in Zone 7a?
In Zone 7a, expect to harvest Sorrel from April 29 – July 1. Sorrel takes 40-60 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 7a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 7a is around March 25, and the first fall frost is around November 1. This gives a growing season of approximately 221 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Sorrel?
Good companion plants for Sorrel include Strawberries, Lettuce, Spinach. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.