When to plant Sorrel in Compton, MD
Sorrel planted in Compton between March 22 and April 12 matures in 40–60 days — well before the November 4 first frost. A second sowing from August 26 to September 9 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Sorrel in Compton, MD
Your June gardening checklist
Your garden in St. Mary's County, Maryland is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
-
Bring in the sorrel
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Compton, Maryland is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.
At an elevation of 156 feet, St. Mary's County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season.
Compton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Sorrel 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 Compton
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.9) is within Sorrel's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in St. Mary's County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 26.
Sorrel 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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in St. Mary's County). 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 — Compton, MD
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 12 |
| Harvest | May 10 | May 10 – Jul 12 |
| Fall Sowing | August 26 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
213 days in St. Mary's County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Compton
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after April 05 in St. Mary's County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 213.0-day season in St. Mary's County 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
When should I plant Sorrel in Compton, MD?
In Compton, MD, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around April 5) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Compton, MD for Sorrel?
Compton sits in USDA Zone 8a. Sorrel grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sorrel grow in Compton's climate?
Yes — Sorrel grows well in Compton's temperate climate. Compton averages a 213-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 5 and first frost around November 4.
Your St. Mary's County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Mary's County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.