Sorrel in Zone 8a & 8b
Rumex acetosa
When to plant sorrel in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b 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 | Feb 18–Feb 25 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Mar 11–Mar 18 |
| Estimated harvest | Apr 30–May 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 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. 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 8b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Sorrel in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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