Blog

When to plant Sorrel in Boulder County, CO

Boulder County gardeners should plant Sorrel between April 30 and May 21 in spring. With Boulder County's Zone 6a climate (last frost May 14), Sorrel needs 40–60 days to mature — plant by July 28 for a full harvest. A second sowing from July 18 to August 1 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Sorrel in Boulder County, CO

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.

Boulder County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.

At an elevation of 7,657 feet, Boulder County receives approximately 22.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season.

Boulder County, CO (Zone 6a) Short season
135 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
135 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Boulder County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Sorrel Planting Timeline — Boulder County, CO

Sorrel Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Transplant Outdoors May 7 May 7 – May 21
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 – May 21
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 – Aug 20
Fall Sowing July 18 Jul 18 – Aug 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

135 days in Boulder County

Growing Tips for Boulder 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 Boulder County, CO?

Boulder County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Boulder County, CO?

Boulder County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 26.

When should I plant Sorrel in Boulder County, CO?

In Boulder County, CO, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Boulder County, CO for Sorrel?

Boulder County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Sorrel grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sorrel grow in Boulder County's climate?

Yes — Sorrel grows well in Boulder County's temperate climate. Boulder County averages a 135-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 26.

🌱

Your Boulder County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Boulder County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.