When to Plant Sorrel in Lincoln County, NV
May to-do list for Lincoln County, Nevada
May is a pivotal month for Lincoln County, Nevada gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Start sorrel indoors
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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Basket week: sorrel
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Looking ahead to June
- 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.
Lincoln County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 5,852 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 11.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Sorrel may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Sorrel will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Sorrel successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7-8.8
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 Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.0–8.8) is more alkaline than Sorrel prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lincoln County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Sorrel will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Sorrel.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lincoln 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 — Lincoln County, NV
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | May 24 | May 24 – Jul 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Lincoln County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after April 19 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lincoln County dries quickly — mulch Sorrel with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 180.0-day season in Lincoln County allows multiple plantings of Sorrel. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Lincoln County receives only 12" 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 Lincoln County, NV?
Lincoln County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, NV?
Lincoln County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 16.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln 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.