Sorrel in Zone 8a & 8b
Rumex acetosa
Yes, sorrel grows in zones 8a and 8b. Start seeds indoors Feb 18–Feb 25 and plant out Mar 11–Mar 18.
When to plant sorrel in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b 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 | 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.
Plant alongside it in zone 8b
These go outside within two weeks of sorrel in zone 8b, so one planting day can cover them.
- OnionMar 4–Mar 11
- RadishFeb 25–Mar 4
- CarrotMar 4–Mar 11
- CabbageMar 11–Mar 18
- LettuceMar 11–Mar 18
- BroccoliMar 11–Mar 18
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.
Sorrel planting windows in every zone
Zone 8b 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 | 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 (your zone) | 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 8b calendar · 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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