When to plant Sorrel in Franklin County, IA
Plant Sorrel in Franklin County after April 30; the prime window is April 16–May 7. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Sorrel in Franklin County, IA
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.
Franklin County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 1,145 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sorrel to ensure they mature before fall.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Sorrel Planting Timeline — Franklin County, IA
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Aug 6 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
160 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin County, IA?
Franklin County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, IA?
Franklin County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Sorrel in Franklin County, IA?
In Franklin County, IA, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, IA for Sorrel?
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Sorrel grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sorrel grow in Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Sorrel grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 160-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 7.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.