When to Plant Sorrel in Sanilac County, MI
Sanilac County, Michigan gardeners: here's your May plan
Your garden in Sanilac County, Michigan is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: sorrel
- 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.
Sanilac County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 985 feet, Sanilac County receives approximately 37 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season.
Sanilac County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7
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 Sanilac County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.0) is within Sorrel's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sanilac County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). 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 Aug 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Sanilac 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 — Sanilac County, MI
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
166 days in Sanilac County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Sanilac County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after May 04 in Sanilac County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 166.0-day season in Sanilac 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sorrel in Sanilac County, MI?
Sanilac County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sanilac County, MI?
Sanilac County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Sanilac County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sanilac County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.