When to Plant Sorrel in Sierra County, NM
What to do in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Sierra County, New Mexico this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Indoor seed-starting week for sorrel
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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Pick sorrel
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in 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.
Sierra County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 4,898 feet, Sierra County receives approximately 17.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season. 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.
Sierra County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.5
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 Sierra County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.5) is more alkaline than Sorrel prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Sierra 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 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sierra 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 — Sierra County, NM
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | May 20 | May 20 – Jul 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
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
194 days in Sierra County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Sierra County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after April 15 in Sierra County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Sierra 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 194.0-day season in Sierra County allows multiple plantings of Sorrel. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Sierra County receives only 17" 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 Sierra County, NM?
Sierra County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sierra County, NM?
Sierra County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 26.
Your Sierra County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sierra 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.