When to plant Sorrel in Howard County, AR
Aim to plant Sorrel in Howard County on or after March 17; the window stays open through April 7. Howard County's 217-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 25 to September 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Sorrel in Howard County, AR
June to-do list for Howard County, Arkansas
Each item below is timed to Howard County, Arkansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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It's harvest week for sorrel
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Get ahead of July
- 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.
Howard County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 537 feet, Howard County receives approximately 50.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°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.
Howard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Sorrel 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 Howard County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Sorrel's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Howard County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 Sep 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 25.
Sorrel 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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Howard 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 — Howard County, AR
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 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
217 days in Howard County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Howard County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after March 31 in Howard County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 217.0-day season in Howard 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 Howard County, AR?
Howard 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 Howard County, AR?
Howard County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 3.
When should I plant Sorrel in Howard County, AR?
In Howard County, AR, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around March 31) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Howard County, AR for Sorrel?
Howard 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 Howard County's climate?
Yes — Sorrel grows well in Howard County's temperate climate. Howard County averages a 217-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 31 and first frost around November 3.
Your Howard County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Howard 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.