Sorrel in Zone 3a & 3b
Rumex acetosa
When to plant sorrel in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Sorrel tolerates either.
| 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.
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.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Sorrel.
Where to buy sorrel seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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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 · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · 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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