When to Plant Sorrel in Billings County, ND
Your May planting checklist for Billings County, North Dakota
Welcome to May in Zone 4a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Get sorrel in the ground
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
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Put sorrel seeds straight in the ground
Your soil is 55°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: sorrel
- First harvests: sorrel
- Fall sowing: 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.
Billings County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 125 days.
At an elevation of 894 feet, Billings County receives approximately 26.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sorrel to ensure they mature before fall.
Billings County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.4
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 Billings County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.4) overlaps with Sorrel's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Billings County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Sorrel.
How to Plant Sorrel
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Sorrel
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 29.
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Billings 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 — Billings County, ND
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 25 |
| Fall Sowing | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow Fall Sowing Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
125 days in Billings County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Billings County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after May 19 in Billings 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 Billings County, ND?
Billings County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Billings County, ND?
Billings County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 21.
Your Billings County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Billings County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.