When to plant Sorrel in O'Brien County, IA
O'Brien County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Plant Sorrel between April 17 (after last frost on May 1) and May 8. A second sowing from July 27 to August 10 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Sorrel in O'Brien 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.
O'Brien County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 658 feet, O'Brien County receives approximately 40.5 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.
O'Brien County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Sorrel Planting Timeline — O'Brien County, IA
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | June 5 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 |
| Fall Sowing | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
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
157 days in O'Brien County
Growing Tips for O'Brien 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 O'Brien County, IA?
O'Brien County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is O'Brien County, IA?
O'Brien County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 5.
When should I plant Sorrel in O'Brien County, IA?
In O'Brien County, IA, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is O'Brien County, IA for Sorrel?
O'Brien 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 O'Brien County's climate?
Yes — Sorrel grows well in O'Brien County's temperate climate. O'Brien County averages a 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around October 5.
Your O'Brien County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for O'Brien 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.