Sorrel in Zone 3a & 3b
Rumex acetosa
Yes, sorrel grows in zones 3a and 3b. Start seeds indoors Apr 25–May 2 and plant out May 16–May 23.
When to plant sorrel in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Either works.
| Start indoors | Apr 25–May 2 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 16–May 23 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 5–Jul 12 (~50 days after planting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 3b
These go outside within two weeks of sorrel in zone 3b, so one planting day can cover them.
- OnionMay 9–May 16
- RadishMay 2–May 9
- CarrotMay 9–May 16
- CabbageMay 16–May 23
- LettuceMay 16–May 23
- BroccoliMay 16–May 23
Sorrel's whole appeal is the sharp, lemony bite that no other salad green has, a tartness sharp enough that a few leaves change the character of a whole bowl. Cooked, that acidity softens into something closer to spinach with a citrus edge, which is why it turns up in classic French sorrel soup.
How sorrel fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Sorrel needs about 50 days from sowing to first harvest.
Sorrel planting windows in every zone
Zone 3b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b (your zone) | Apr 25–May 2 | May 16–May 23 | Jul 5–Jul 12 |
| 4a & 4b | Apr 10–Apr 17 | May 1–May 8 | Jun 20–Jun 27 |
| 5a & 5b | Apr 5–Apr 12 | Apr 26–May 3 | Jun 15–Jun 22 |
| 6a & 6b | Mar 21–Mar 28 | Apr 11–Apr 18 | May 31–Jun 7 |
| 7a & 7b | Mar 6–Mar 13 | Mar 27–Apr 3 | May 16–May 23 |
| 8a & 8b | Feb 18–Feb 25 | Mar 11–Mar 18 | Apr 30–May 7 |
| 9a & 9b | Jan 11–Jan 18 | Feb 1–Feb 8 | Mar 23–Mar 30 |
Harvest dates are about 50 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for sorrel.
Where to buy sorrel seeds
Botanical Interests · True Leaf Market · High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's sorrel seeds)
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing sorrel" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Sorrel in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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