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When to plant Sorrel in Hancock County, IL

Hancock County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Plant Sorrel between March 31 (after last frost on April 14) and April 21. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Sorrel in Hancock County, IL

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.

Hancock County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.

At an elevation of 758 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 37.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season.

Hancock County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
187 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
187 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Hancock County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Sorrel Planting Timeline — Hancock County, IL

Sorrel Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24
Transplant Outdoors April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 21
Direct Sow March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 21
Harvest May 19 May 19 – Jul 21
Fall Sowing August 9 Aug 9 – Aug 23

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

187 days in Hancock County

Growing Tips for Hancock 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 Hancock County, IL?

Hancock County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hancock County, IL?

Hancock County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 18.

When should I plant Sorrel in Hancock County, IL?

In Hancock County, IL, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hancock County, IL for Sorrel?

Hancock County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Sorrel grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sorrel grow in Hancock County's climate?

Yes — Sorrel grows well in Hancock County's temperate climate. Hancock County averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 18.

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A 22-page printable planner built for Hancock County (Zone 6a). 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 Hancock County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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