When to plant Sorrel in Madison County, IL
Plant Sorrel in Madison County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 28. Continue planting through April 18 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 13 to August 27 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Sorrel in Madison 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.
Madison County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 963 feet, Madison County receives approximately 36.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Sorrel Planting Timeline — Madison County, IL
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | May 16 | May 16 – Jul 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Madison 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 →
Sorrel in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sorrel in Madison County, IL?
Madison County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, IL?
Madison County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Sorrel in Madison County, IL?
In Madison County, IL, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Madison County, IL for Sorrel?
Madison County sits in USDA Zone 7a. 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 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 22.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.