When to Plant Sorrel in Clay County, FL
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.
Clay County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 282 days.
At an elevation of 122 feet, Clay County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Sorrel may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Sorrel will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sorrel root diseases.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Clay County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Sorrel prefers (5.5–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Clay County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Sorrel will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Sorrel.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Sorrel.
How to Plant Sorrel
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Sorrel
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 02.
Plant 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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Clay 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 — Clay County, FL
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 21 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Direct Sow | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 18 |
| Harvest | March 25 | Mar 25 – May 27 |
| Fall Sowing | October 2 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
282 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Clay County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after February 18 in Clay County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Clay County dries quickly — mulch Sorrel with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in Clay County, provide afternoon shade for Sorrel and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 283.0-day season in Clay 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 Clay County, FL?
Clay County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 18. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, FL?
Clay County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and first fall frost is November 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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