Blog

When to plant Sorrel in Kane County County,

Kane County County's spring Sorrel window runs April 9 through April 30. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Sorrel in Kane 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.

Kane County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 699 feet, Kane County receives approximately 35.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season.

Kane County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Kane County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.8

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Kane County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Sorrel Planting Timeline — Kane County, IL

Sorrel Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 2
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 30
Harvest May 28 May 28 – Jul 30
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors 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 5b

📆 Growing Season

177 days in Kane County

Growing Tips for Kane 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 Kane County, IL?

Kane County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kane County, IL?

Kane County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Sorrel in Kane County County, ?

In Kane County County, , plant Sorrel after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kane County County, for Sorrel?

Kane County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Sorrel grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sorrel grow in Kane County County's climate?

Yes — Sorrel grows well in Kane County County's temperate climate. Kane County County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Kane County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kane County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Kane County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.