When to Plant Sorrel in Missoula County, MT
This month in Missoula County, Montana
A quick May briefing for Missoula County, Montana gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Set out sorrel seedlings
Frost risk is low now in Missoula County, Montana. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Missoula County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 8,019 feet, Missoula County receives approximately 15.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Sorrel successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Missoula County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.7
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 Missoula County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.7) overlaps with Sorrel's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Missoula County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). 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 Jul 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 15.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Missoula 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 — Missoula County, MT
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
132 days in Missoula County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Missoula County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after May 14 in Missoula County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Missoula County receives only 16" of rain annually. Sorrel needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Missoula County, MT?
Missoula County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Missoula County, MT?
Missoula County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 23.
Your Missoula County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Missoula County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.