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When to Plant Sorrel in Ohio

🌱

Direct Sow Outdoors

Friday, March 13, 2026

State

Ohio

USDA Zones

5b, 6a, 6b, 7a

Avg Last Frost

Friday, April 10, 2026

Cities Covered

1059

Ohio Planting Schedule by Zone

Ohio spans 4 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.

Zone Last Frost Direct Sow
5b Saturday, April 25, 2026 Saturday, March 28, 2026
6a Monday, April 20, 2026 Monday, March 23, 2026
6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 18, 2026
7a Friday, April 10, 2026 Friday, March 13, 2026

Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.

🌿 About Sorrel

Scientific Name Rumex acetosa
Days to Maturity 60 days
Sun Partial to Full Sun (4-6 hours)
Water Moderate (1 inch/week)
Spacing 12" apart

🤝 Companion Plants for Sorrel

Good Companions

StrawberryCarrotHerb

Avoid Planting Near

Fennel
See the full companion planting guide for Sorrel →

Growing Sorrel in Ohio: Complete Guide

Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Ohio, the right time to direct sow is around Friday, March 13, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.

Because Ohio stretches across 4 USDA hardiness zones (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.

With 60 days to maturity, Sorrel fits comfortably within Ohio's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.

Sorrel requires partial to full sun (4-6 hours) and moderate (1 inch/week) moisture. Most of Ohio receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.

For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sorrel in Ohio?

In Ohio, direct sow Sorrel outdoors around Friday, March 13, 2026. Ohio spans zones 5b–7a, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.

What is the last frost date in Ohio?

Ohio spans 4 USDA zones (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a), so last frost dates vary by region. Sparta (5b) sees frost until around Saturday, April 25, 2026, while Cleveland, Lakewood, Rocky River (7a) is frost-free much earlier.

How long does Sorrel take to grow in Ohio?

Sorrel takes about 60 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Ohio's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.

What USDA zones does Ohio cover for Sorrel?

Ohio includes zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Sorrel grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.

Find Precise Dates for Your City

Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.

Other Plants for Ohio

When to Plant Sorrel in Other States