When to plant Sorrel in Shelby County, IL
Shelby County's spring Sorrel window runs March 31 through April 21. 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 Shelby 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.
Shelby County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 807 feet, Shelby County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season.
Shelby County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Sorrel Planting Timeline — Shelby 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 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
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 6b
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Shelby County
Growing Tips for Shelby 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 Shelby County, IL?
Shelby County is in Zone 6b 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 Shelby County, IL?
Shelby County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Sorrel in Shelby County, IL?
In Shelby County, IL, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Shelby County, IL for Sorrel?
Shelby 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 Shelby County's climate?
Yes — Sorrel grows well in Shelby County's temperate climate. Shelby County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.
Your Shelby County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Shelby 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.