Sorrel in Zone 9a & 9b
Rumex acetosa
When to plant sorrel in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Jan 11–Jan 18 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 1–Feb 8 |
| Estimated harvest | Mar 23–Mar 30 (~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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 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 9b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Sorrel in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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