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When to plant Sorrel in Clay County, FL

Plant Sorrel in Clay County from January 28 to February 18 in spring. Clay County sits in USDA Zone 9a, with last frost around February 18 and first frost on November 27. A second sowing from October 2 to October 16 extends the harvest into fall.

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, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
282 days
Last Spring Frost February 18
282 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Clay County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-5.8

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 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 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

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

282 days in Clay County

Growing Tips for Clay 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 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.

When should I plant Sorrel in Clay County, FL?

In Clay County, FL, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around February 18) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clay County, FL for Sorrel?

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

Can Sorrel grow in Clay County's climate?

Yes — Sorrel grows well in Clay County's temperate climate. Clay County averages a 283-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 18 and first frost around November 27.

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Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 9a). 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 Clay County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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