When to plant Sorrel in Clinton County County,
Aim to plant Sorrel in Clinton County County on or after March 27; the window stays open through April 17. Clinton County County's 192-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 10 to August 24 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Sorrel in Clinton County, IL
Top priorities for Clinton County, Illinois gardeners in June
Welcome to June in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Basket week: sorrel
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Clinton County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 1,142 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season.
Clinton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
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 Clinton County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Sorrel's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clinton County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Sorrel will thrive.
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 Aug 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 10.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clinton 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 — Clinton County, IL
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jul 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Clinton County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Clinton County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after April 10 in Clinton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 192.0-day season in Clinton 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 Clinton County, IL?
Clinton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clinton County, IL?
Clinton County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 19.
When should I plant Sorrel in Clinton County, ?
In Clinton County, , plant Sorrel after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clinton County, for Sorrel?
Clinton County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Sorrel grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sorrel grow in Clinton County's climate?
Yes — Sorrel grows well in Clinton County's temperate climate. Clinton County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 19.
Your Clinton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clinton County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.