When to plant Sorrel in Chippewa County, MN
Sorrel planted in Chippewa County between April 25 and May 16 matures in 40–60 days — well before the October 4 first frost. A second sowing from July 12 to July 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Sorrel in Chippewa County, MN
July to-do list for Chippewa County, Minnesota
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Chippewa County, Minnesota this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Harvest sorrel as they ripen
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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Plant your fall garden: sorrel
Keep young seedlings shaded and moist in summer heat. A row of taller crops works as natural shade.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- 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.
Chippewa County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 626 feet, Chippewa County receives approximately 34.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sorrel to ensure they mature before fall.
Chippewa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7
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 Chippewa County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.0) is within Sorrel's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Chippewa County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Sorrel.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Sorrel will thrive.
How to Plant Sorrel
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Sorrel
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 12.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Chippewa 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 — Chippewa County, MN
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Aug 8 |
| 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 | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Chippewa County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Chippewa County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after May 02 in Chippewa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 155.0-day season in Chippewa 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 Chippewa County, MN?
Chippewa County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Chippewa County, MN?
Chippewa County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 4.
When should I plant Sorrel in Chippewa County, MN?
In Chippewa County, MN, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Chippewa County, MN for Sorrel?
Chippewa County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Sorrel grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sorrel grow in Chippewa County's climate?
Yes — Sorrel grows well in Chippewa County's temperate climate. Chippewa County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 4.
Your Chippewa County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Chippewa County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.