When to Plant Sorrel in Union Parish, LA
Your May game plan for Union Parish, Louisiana
Welcome to May in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Harvest sorrel as they ripen
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: sorrel
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.
Union Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 426 feet, Union Parish receives approximately 57.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Sorrel may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sorrel root diseases.
Union Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Union Parish
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) is within Sorrel's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Union Parish is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Sorrel.
How to Plant Sorrel
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Sorrel
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 27.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Union Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sorrel Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Sorrel Planting Timeline — Union Parish, LA
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Direct Sow | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 29 |
| Harvest | April 26 | Apr 26 – Jun 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 27 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Union Parish
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Union Parish
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after March 22 in Union Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Union Parish, provide afternoon shade for Sorrel and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 228.0-day season in Union Parish allows multiple plantings of Sorrel. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
General growing tips
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 Union Parish, LA?
Union Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union Parish, LA?
Union Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 5.
Your Union Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Union Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.