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When to plant Sorrel in Guthrie County, IA

For Sorrel in Guthrie County, the safe spring window opens around April 12 and closes around May 3. Last expected frost is April 26, first fall frost October 6, giving a 163-day growing season. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Sorrel in Guthrie 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.

Guthrie County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.

At an elevation of 1,378 feet, Guthrie County receives approximately 31.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sorrel to ensure they mature before fall.

Guthrie County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
163 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
163 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Guthrie County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Sorrel Planting Timeline — Guthrie County, IA

Sorrel Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 – May 3
Direct Sow April 12 Apr 12 – May 3
Harvest May 31 May 31 – Aug 2
Fall Sowing July 28 Jul 28 – Aug 11

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 Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
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

163 days in Guthrie County

Growing Tips for Guthrie 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 Guthrie County, IA?

Guthrie County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Guthrie County, IA?

Guthrie County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Sorrel in Guthrie County, IA?

In Guthrie County, IA, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Guthrie County, IA for Sorrel?

Guthrie 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 Guthrie County's climate?

Yes — Sorrel grows well in Guthrie County's temperate climate. Guthrie County averages a 163-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 6.

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Your Guthrie County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Guthrie 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.

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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 Guthrie County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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