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When to plant Sorrel in Letcher County, KY

Letcher County's spring Sorrel window runs March 30 through April 20. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 13 to August 27 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Sorrel in Letcher County, KY

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.

Letcher County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.

At an elevation of 3,749 feet, Letcher County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sorrel root diseases.

Letcher County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
192 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
192 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Letcher County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Sorrel

Sorrel needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Sorrel Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Letcher County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Sorrel Planting Timeline — Letcher County, KY

Sorrel Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 20
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest May 18 May 18 – Jul 20
Fall Sowing August 13 Aug 13 – Aug 27

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

192 days in Letcher County

Growing Tips for Letcher 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 Letcher County, KY?

Letcher County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Letcher County, KY?

Letcher County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 22.

When should I plant Sorrel in Letcher County, KY?

In Letcher County, KY, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Letcher County, KY for Sorrel?

Letcher 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 Letcher County's climate?

Yes — Sorrel grows well in Letcher County's temperate climate. Letcher County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 22.

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Your Letcher County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Letcher 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.

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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 Letcher County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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