When to Plant Sorrel in Williamson 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.
Williamson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.
At an elevation of 1,023 feet, Williamson County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 94°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.
Williamson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.1-7.8
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 Williamson County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.1–7.8) is more alkaline than Sorrel prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (46% clay) in Williamson County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Sorrel.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 13.
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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Williamson 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 — Williamson County, TX
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 12 |
| Harvest | April 9 | Apr 9 – Jun 11 |
| Fall Sowing | September 13 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
262 days in Williamson County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Williamson County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after March 05 in Williamson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Williamson County's clay soil (46% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Sorrel. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 262.0-day season in Williamson 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 Williamson County, TX?
Williamson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Williamson County, TX?
Williamson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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