When to Plant Sorrel in Loving County, TX
May to-do list for Loving County, Texas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Loving County, Texas this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Get sorrel seeds going inside
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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Basket week: sorrel
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Loving County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 224 days.
At an elevation of 1,464 feet, Loving County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Sorrel may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Sorrel will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sorrel root diseases.
Loving County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.3
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 Loving County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.3) is more alkaline than Sorrel prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Loving 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 (0.9%). 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 Sep 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 28.
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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 11.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Loving 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 — Loving County, TX
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 1 | May 1 – Jul 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
224 days in Loving County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Loving County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after March 27 in Loving County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Loving County dries quickly — mulch Sorrel with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 98°F in Loving County, provide afternoon shade for Sorrel and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 224.0-day season in Loving 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 Loving County, TX?
Loving County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Loving County, TX?
Loving County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Loving County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Loving 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.