When to plant Sorrel in Dent County, MO
Aim to plant Sorrel in Dent County on or after March 27; the window stays open through April 17. Dent County's 200-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 18 to September 1 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Sorrel in Dent County, MO
Your August planting checklist for Dent County, Missouri
Your Dent County, Missouri garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for August and why each task matters now.
-
Start your fall crops: sorrel
Fall crops get sweeter with a light frost. Don't be afraid of cool nights.
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.
Dent County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 774 feet, Dent County receives approximately 31.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season.
Dent County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 Dent County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) is within Sorrel's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dent County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 18.
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dent 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 — Dent County, MO
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jul 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors 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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Dent County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Dent County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after April 10 in Dent County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 200.0-day season in Dent 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 Dent County, MO?
Dent County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dent County, MO?
Dent County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 27.
When should I plant Sorrel in Dent County, MO?
In Dent County, MO, plant Sorrel after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dent County, MO for Sorrel?
Dent County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Sorrel grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sorrel grow in Dent County's climate?
Yes — Sorrel grows well in Dent County's temperate climate. Dent County averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 27.
Your Dent County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dent County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.