When to plant Sorrel in Madison County, ID
In Zone 5a (Madison County), direct-sow Sorrel between May 17 and June 7 for spring, after the May 31 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 3 to July 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Sorrel in Madison County, ID
Your June planting checklist for Madison County, Idaho
Your garden in Madison County, Idaho is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: sorrel
- First harvests: sorrel
- Fall sowing: 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.
Madison County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 103 days.
At an elevation of 6,385 feet, Madison County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Sorrel successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.8
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 Madison County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.8) overlaps with Sorrel's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Madison County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). 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 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 03.
Sorrel Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Madison 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 — Madison County, ID
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Sep 6 |
| Fall Sowing | July 3 | Jul 3 – Jul 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
103 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Madison County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after May 31 in Madison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Madison County receives only 19" 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 Madison County, ID?
Madison County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, ID?
Madison County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 11.
When should I plant Sorrel in Madison County, ID?
In Madison County, ID, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around May 31) and before the first frost (around September 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Madison County, ID for Sorrel?
Madison 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 Madison County's climate?
Yes — Sorrel grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 103-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 31 and first frost around September 11.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison 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.