When to Plant Sorrel in USDA Zone 9a
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 9a, the average last spring frost is around February 10 and the first fall frost is around December 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.
Sorrel Planting Timeline — Zone 9a
Where Is USDA Zone 9a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 9a. Click any state to see the Sorrel planting schedule for that location.
Sorrel Planting Calendar — Zone 9a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 13 | Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Direct Sow | January 20 | Jan 20 – Feb 10 |
| Harvest | March 17 | Mar 17 – May 19 |
| Fall Sowing | October 15 | Oct 15 – Oct 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 9a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 9a 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
20°F to 25°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
303 days (Zone 9a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Sorrel in Zone 9a
Sow every 4.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Zone 9a
Zone 9a offers a long growing season (~303 days). You can plant Sorrel earlier and may get multiple harvests.
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
Saving Sorrel Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
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 9a?
In Zone 9a, plan your Sorrel planting around the average last frost date of February 10. Start seeds indoors around January 13. Direct sow outdoors around January 20. Transplant seedlings around February 3.
Can Sorrel grow in Zone 9a?
Yes, Sorrel can grow well in Zone 9a, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 9b. Zone 9a has a growing season of approximately 303 days, which is sufficient for Sorrel (40-60 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Sorrel in Zone 9a?
In Zone 9a, expect to harvest Sorrel from March 17 – May 19. Sorrel takes 40-60 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 9a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 9a is around February 10, and the first fall frost is around December 10. This gives a growing season of approximately 303 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.
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