When to plant Sorrel in Pitkin County, CO
Plant Sorrel in Pitkin County, when soil hits 50°F — usually June 2. Continue planting through June 23 for the spring crop. A second sowing from June 29 to July 13 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Sorrel in Pitkin County, CO
Your June game plan for Pitkin County, Colorado
Each item below is timed to Pitkin County, Colorado's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Move sorrel from tray to bed
Your last frost (June 16) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Sow sorrel where they'll grow
Your soil is 48°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
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Direct-sow sorrel for cool weather
Fall crops get sweeter with a light frost. Don't be afraid of cool nights.
Get ahead of July
- Starting indoors: sorrel
- 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.
Pitkin County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 6,411 feet, Pitkin County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sorrel to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Sorrel successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pitkin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.3
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 Pitkin County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–8.3) is more alkaline than Sorrel prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Pitkin County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 Jul 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 29.
Sorrel Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Pitkin 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 — Pitkin County, CO
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 |
| Direct Sow | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 23 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 |
| Fall Sowing | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
83 days in Pitkin County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Pitkin County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after June 16 in Pitkin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Pitkin County receives only 18" of rain annually. Sorrel needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Pitkin County, CO?
Pitkin County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pitkin County, CO?
Pitkin County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.
When should I plant Sorrel in Pitkin County, CO?
In Pitkin County, CO, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pitkin County, CO for Sorrel?
Pitkin County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Sorrel grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sorrel grow in Pitkin County's climate?
Yes — Sorrel grows well in Pitkin County's temperate climate. Pitkin County averages a 83-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 7.
Your Pitkin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pitkin County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.