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When to Plant Sorrel in Hinsdale, Illinois (60521)

Location

Hinsdale, Illinois

ZIP Code

60521

USDA Zone

6a

Last Frost

Monday, April 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Monday, March 23, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, April 20, 2026 · Zone 6a

Pro tip: Sow Sorrel directly outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Rumex acetosa
Days to Maturity 60 days
Mature Height 12-24"
Spread 18"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Partial to Full Sun (4-6 hours)

💧

Water

Moderate (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

12" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.5" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Sorrel in Hinsdale?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, March 23, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

StrawberryCarrotHerb

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Fennel
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Sorrel

See which plants help Sorrel thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow seed stalks to dry completely on the plant. Harvest before seeds drop.

Processing

Strip dried seed stalks, separate seeds from dried flower material, dry 1 week.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Sorrel self-sows freely once established — you may not need to actively save seed at all.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Sorrel. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sorrel in Hinsdale, Illinois? +

In Hinsdale (Zone 6a), direct sow Sorrel outdoors around Monday, March 23, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Hinsdale, Illinois? +

The average last spring frost date for Hinsdale, Illinois (ZIP 60521) is around Monday, April 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 6a.

How long does Sorrel take to grow? +

Sorrel typically matures in about 60 days from direct sowing. In Hinsdale, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, March 23, 2026 plus 60 days.

Should I start Sorrel indoors or direct sow in Illinois? +

Sorrel does best when direct sown outdoors. In Hinsdale, sow directly around Monday, March 23, 2026.

Other Plants for Hinsdale

Growing Sorrel in Zone 6a

Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is a popular garden vegetable. In Hinsdale, Illinois, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, you should direct sow seeds around Monday, March 23, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, April 20, 2026. Sorrel grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.