When to Plant Sorrel in Fannin County, TX
May in the garden — Fannin County, Texas
Your Fannin County, Texas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
It's harvest week for sorrel
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Fannin County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 16 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 282 feet, Fannin County receives approximately 63.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sorrel root diseases.
Fannin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.8
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 Fannin County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.8) is more alkaline than Sorrel prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Fannin County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 Sep 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 06.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Fannin 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 — Fannin County, TX
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 23 |
| Harvest | April 20 | Apr 20 – Jun 22 |
| Fall Sowing | September 6 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
244 days in Fannin County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Fannin County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after March 16 in Fannin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 244.0-day season in Fannin County allows multiple plantings of Sorrel. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
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 Fannin County, TX?
Fannin County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 16. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fannin County, TX?
Fannin County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 16 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Fannin County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Fannin 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.