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When to plant Sorrel in Calhoun County, AL

In Zone 8a (Calhoun County), direct-sow Sorrel between March 17 and April 7 for spring, after the March 31 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 22 to September 5 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Sorrel in Calhoun County, AL

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.

Calhoun County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.

At an elevation of 440 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Sorrel, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sorrel root diseases.

Calhoun County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
214 days
Last Spring Frost March 31
214 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Calhoun County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

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" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Calhoun County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Sorrel Planting Timeline — Calhoun County, AL

Sorrel Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 24 Feb 24 – Mar 10
Transplant Outdoors March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 7
Direct Sow March 17 Mar 17 – Apr 7
Harvest May 5 May 5 – Jul 7
Fall Sowing August 22 Aug 22 – Sep 5

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

214 days in Calhoun County

Growing Tips for Calhoun 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sorrel in Calhoun County, AL?

Calhoun County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Calhoun County, AL?

Calhoun County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is October 31.

When should I plant Sorrel in Calhoun County, AL?

In Calhoun County, AL, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around March 31) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Calhoun County, AL for Sorrel?

Calhoun County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Sorrel grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sorrel grow in Calhoun County's climate?

Yes — Sorrel grows well in Calhoun County's temperate climate. Calhoun County averages a 214-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 31 and first frost around October 31.

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Your Calhoun County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Calhoun County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Calhoun County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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