When to Plant Sorrel in Greensville County, VA
What to do in May
Each item below is timed to Greensville County, Virginia's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Time to start sorrel inside
These need a head start before your last frost (March 27). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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Pick sorrel
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Greensville County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 225 days.
At an elevation of 532 feet, Greensville County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°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.
Greensville County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
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 Greensville County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.9) is within Sorrel's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Greensville County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). 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 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 29.
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 | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Greensville 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 — Greensville County, VA
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 29 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
225 days in Greensville County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Greensville County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after March 27 in Greensville County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 225.0-day season in Greensville 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 Greensville County, VA?
Greensville County is in Zone 7b 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 Greensville County, VA?
Greensville County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 7.
Your Greensville County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Greensville County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.