Sorrel in Zone 4a & 4b
Rumex acetosa
When to plant sorrel in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b 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 10–Apr 17 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 1–May 8 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 20–Jun 27 (~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 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. 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 4b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Sorrel in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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