When to Plant Sorrel in Amherst, Colorado (80721)

Location

Amherst, Colorado

ZIP Code

80721

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b

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

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🌿 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 Amherst?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, March 28, 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

🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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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 Amherst, Colorado? +

In Amherst (Zone 5b), direct sow Sorrel outdoors around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Amherst, Colorado? +

The average last spring frost date for Amherst, Colorado (ZIP 80721) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.

How long does Sorrel take to grow? +

Sorrel typically matures in about 60 days from direct sowing. In Amherst, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, March 28, 2026 plus 60 days.

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

Sorrel does best when direct sown outdoors. In Amherst, sow directly around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

📚 More Sorrel Planting Guides

🗺️

Sorrel in Colorado

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 5b Sorrel Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for Amherst

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Growing Sorrel in Zone 5b

Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is a popular garden vegetable. In Amherst, Colorado, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should direct sow seeds around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Sorrel grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.