Sorrel in Zone 6a & 6b
Rumex acetosa
When to plant sorrel in zone 6b
Zones 6a and 6b 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 | Mar 21–Mar 28 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 11–Apr 18 |
| Estimated harvest | May 31–Jun 7 (~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 6's season
Zone 6b's frost-free window runs about 173 days, from April 25 to October 15. 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 →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.
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 6b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
Pin this for later
Growing Sorrel in USDA zone 6b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest