When to Plant Sorrel in Colquitt County, GA
Your May gardening checklist
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Colquitt County, Georgia.
-
Collect sorrel at their peak
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Colquitt County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.
At an elevation of 211 feet, Colquitt County receives approximately 54.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Sorrel may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Sorrel, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sorrel root diseases.
Colquitt County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.2
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 Colquitt County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.2) is within Sorrel's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Colquitt 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 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Sorrel
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 25.
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 | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Colquitt 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 — Colquitt County, GA
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Direct Sow | February 14 | Feb 14 – Mar 7 |
| Harvest | April 11 | Apr 11 – Jun 13 |
| Fall Sowing | September 25 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
258 days in Colquitt County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Colquitt County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after March 07 in Colquitt County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Colquitt County's clay soil (33% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Sorrel. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Colquitt County, provide afternoon shade for Sorrel and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 258.0-day season in Colquitt 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 Colquitt County, GA?
Colquitt County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Colquitt County, GA?
Colquitt County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 20.
Your Colquitt County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Colquitt 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.