Sorrel is a perennial grown for its leaves, ready to start cutting about 60 days after sowing. Notably, it grows just as well in a container as in the ground. Once it comes in, a single planting keeps producing for most of the growing season, so you harvest over time rather than all at once.
Zones
Data not available
pH Range
5-7
Sun
Full Sun
Days to Maturity
60
Score Sorrel on your exact land.
Zone averages can't see the slope, soil, frost, and sun that decide whether sorrel actually takes — and those shift from one yard to the next. Enter your address and we'll score sorrel against your land's real conditions.
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See Sorrel
What Sorrel is
Sorrel grows as a perennial and reaches around two feet at maturity. It blooms green in summer. It's also well suited to containers.
How to grow Sorrel
Sorrel is ready to harvest about 60 days after planting. Sorrel does best in full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sun a day — and soil from pH 5 to 7, on well-drained ground. It needs around 900 growing degree days to mature, which is why climate matters as much as soil.
USDA Zones
Data not available
USDA PHZM 2023
Soil pH
5 - 7
USDA PLANTS Database
Sun
Full Sun
plant_species_v5.csv
Drainage
well (dry spells)
plant_species_v5.csv
Days to Maturity
60 days
Garden sorrel; perennial herb; cut-and-come-again all season.
USDA-NRCS; UMass-Veg
GDD Required
900+
plant_species_v5.csv
Mature Height
2 ft
plant_species_v5.csv
Frost-Free Days
0+
plant_species_v5.csv
Start the season right
Plant sorrel in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sun, once the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed.
Match the soil
Sorrel prefers pH 5 to 7 (USDA PLANTS Database). A quick soil test from your local Extension lab tells you whether to add lime or sulfur to land in band.
Water steadily
Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. A 2–3 inch mulch layer holds moisture without waterlogging.
Harvest at maturity
Sorrel is ready about 60 days after sowing (USDA-NRCS; UMass-Veg). Cut the outer leaves as you need them — frequent harvest keeps new growth coming.
Good to know
One caution for pet owners — sorrel is toxic to dogs and cats (mild severity). Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency. (Source: ASPCA.)
Sorrel isn't classified as a notable pollinator plant in our data — pair it with high-value bloomers nearby to feed bees.
Where Sorrel thrives
Whether sorrel thrives on a given site comes down to its soil pH, drainage, sun, and frost dates — the conditions that vary parcel to parcel.
See if Sorrel will thrive on your land
Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether sorrel actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.
Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:
We read public map data for this spot — soil, climate, flood, and parcel records. How we handle your address.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Sorrel in my zone?
Zone data for sorrel is being finalized. A Growable Ground report checks your parcel's full suitability against federal soil, climate, and zone data.
How long does Sorrel take to grow?
Sorrel is ready to harvest about 60 days after planting (USDA-NRCS; UMass-Veg). Your local frost dates and soil temperature move that window earlier or later.
When should you plant Sorrel?
Most growers plant sorrel after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed. Your local frost dates set the exact window — a Growable Ground report reads them for your address.
How much sun does Sorrel need?
Sorrel needs full sun — a spot that catches at least 6 hours of direct summer sun a day. In more shade it still grows, but usually gives a smaller, later crop. The catch is that a yard rarely gets even light everywhere — a fence, the house, or one tall tree can quietly take those hours. A Growable Ground report reads the real sun-hours across your land, canopy and buildings included, so you can pick the brightest bed before you plant.
What soil does Sorrel need?
Sorrel prefers soil pH 5 to 7, on well-drained ground (USDA PLANTS Database). Your report scores your parcel's actual soil against that using USDA SSURGO data.
Does Sorrel attract pollinators?
Sorrel isn't classified as a notable pollinator plant in our data. Pairing it with high-value bloomers nearby keeps bees and butterflies fed.
Is Sorrel safe for pets?
Sorrel is toxic to pets (dogs,cats) with mild severity. Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency.