When to Plant Sorrel in Montgomery County, MS
May in Montgomery County, Mississippi — your action list
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Montgomery County, Mississippi this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Harvest sorrel as they ripen
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Montgomery County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 497 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Sorrel, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sorrel root diseases.
Montgomery County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.3
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 Montgomery County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.3) overlaps with Sorrel's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Montgomery County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 29.
Plant 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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Montgomery 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 — Montgomery County, MS
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Direct Sow | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 31 |
| Harvest | April 28 | Apr 28 – Jun 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 29 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Montgomery County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Montgomery County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after March 24 in Montgomery County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Montgomery County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Sorrel. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 228.0-day season in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, MS?
Montgomery County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montgomery County, MS?
Montgomery County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 7.
Your Montgomery County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Montgomery 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.