When to plant Sorrel in Pope County, MN
Plant Sorrel in Pope County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 27. Continue planting through May 18 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 11 to July 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Sorrel in Pope County, MN
What to do in June
Your garden in Pope County, Minnesota is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Sow sorrel in trays indoors
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
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Start harvesting sorrel
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: sorrel
- Fall sowing: 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.
Pope County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 152 days.
At an elevation of 1,061 feet, Pope County receives approximately 31.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sorrel to ensure they mature before fall.
Pope County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
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 Pope County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Sorrel's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pope County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — 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 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 11.
Sorrel 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Pope 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 — Pope County, MN
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 |
| Fall Sowing | July 11 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
152 days in Pope County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Pope County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after May 04 in Pope County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 152.0-day season in Pope 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 Pope County, MN?
Pope County is in Zone 4b 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 Pope County, MN?
Pope County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 3.
When should I plant Sorrel in Pope County, MN?
In Pope County, MN, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pope County, MN for Sorrel?
Pope 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 Pope County's climate?
Yes — Sorrel grows well in Pope County's temperate climate. Pope County averages a 152-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 3.
Your Pope County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pope 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.