When to Plant Sorrel in Cattaraugus County, NY
Top priorities for Cattaraugus County, New York gardeners in May
Your Cattaraugus County, New York garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Move sorrel into the garden
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Direct-sow sorrel
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Cattaraugus County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.
At an elevation of 486 feet, Cattaraugus County receives approximately 43.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season.
Cattaraugus County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.6
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 Cattaraugus County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.6) overlaps with Sorrel's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cattaraugus County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). 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 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 24.
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 | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Cattaraugus 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 — Cattaraugus County, NY
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 |
| Fall Sowing | July 24 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
133 days in Cattaraugus County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Cattaraugus County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after May 22 in Cattaraugus County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Cattaraugus County, NY?
Cattaraugus County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cattaraugus County, NY?
Cattaraugus County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is October 2.
Your Cattaraugus County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cattaraugus 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.