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When to Plant Sorrel in Johnson County, TX

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.

Johnson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.

At an elevation of 2,525 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 62.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Sorrel, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sorrel root diseases.

Johnson County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
239 days
Last Spring Frost March 18
239 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12
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Johnson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 11.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Johnson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Sorrel Planting Timeline — Johnson County, TX

Sorrel Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 11 Feb 11 – Feb 25
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 25
Harvest April 22 Apr 22 – Jun 24
Fall Sowing September 3 Sep 3 – Sep 17

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October
November
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

239 days in Johnson County

Growing Tips for Johnson County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sorrel in Johnson County, TX?

Johnson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Johnson County, TX?

Johnson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 12.

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Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Johnson County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.