When to Plant Sorrel in Dauphin, MB
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.
Dauphin, Manitoba is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 1,000 feet, Dauphin receives approximately 12 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly black chernozem soil. Summer highs average 74°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sorrel to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Sorrel successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Dauphin Soil Profile
Soil Type
Black Chernozem
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
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 | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Dauphin). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sorrel Planting Timeline — Dauphin, MB
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 10 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Aug 23 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Dauphin
Growing Tips for Dauphin
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 Dauphin, MB?
Dauphin is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dauphin, MB?
Dauphin, Manitoba is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 4.
Your Dauphin Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dauphin (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.