How to Plant and Grow Sorrel

Sorrel is an edible plant that begins growth in early spring, providing leafy greens when few other edibles are available. This hardy perennial is also be grown as an annual to harvest baby leaves or full-size leaves. However, due to the high levels of oxalic acid, eating large amounts of sorrel is not recommended because is potentially toxic to the kidneys.

If grown as annual greens, sorrel is fast to reach the harvest stage. The perennial plant is long-lived, developing a dense mound of foliage over time. In late spring when the weather warms up, the plant sends up a flower stalk with green flowers that mature to reddish-brown seeds.

Where to Plant Sorrel

Select a location in full to partial shade with well-drained, acidic soil.

If growing it as an annual, interplant a row of sorrel with other cool-season leafy greens. As a perennial, group it with perennial herbs that prosper in similar growing conditions. Sorrel remains a compact plant so you won’t need to fear that it will take over an area.

How and When to Plant Sorrel

Sorrel is planted in the spring. Start it either indoors 3 weeks before the last average frost date in your area or direct sow it in early spring. No matter how you start the seeds, plant them ¼ inch deep. For baby leaves, plant 3 to 5 seeds per inch, and for large leaves, plant seeds 1 inch apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 8 inches apart (baby leaves don’t require thinning).

If starting the seeds indoors, transplant the seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost, spacing them 8 inches apart.

Sorrel Care Tips

Sorrel is a low-maintenance, undemanding plant.

Light

Plant sorrel in full sun or partial shade.

Soil and Water

Sorrel adapts to a range of soil types. Acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 to 6.8 is ideal.

Keep seedlings and young plants evenly moist at all times. Once sorrel is established, especially a plant that has been around for a while, it tolerates some drought. For the freshest leaves, however, constantly moist soil is best, so water in dry weather.

Temperature and Humidity

This is very a cold-hardy plant that survives even subzero winters. Extremely hot and humid summers, on the other hand, are not conducive to growing sorrel.

In the summer heat, sorrel tends to bolt (send up a flower stalk) and leaf growth will slow down.

Fertilizer

There is no need to fertilize sorrel. The plant benefits from a 2-inch layer of compost scattered around the plant in the spring as it emerges from its winter dormancy.

Pruning

Cut off the flower stalks as they emerge. This not only saves the plant considerable energy but also prevents it from self-seeding, which might happen occasionally. 

In the early spring, remove any dead foliage to make room for the new growth.

Potting and Repotting

Sorrel it suitable for growing in pots. Select a pot with good drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting mix. Remember that container plants need more frequent watering than plants in the ground, especially in hot summer weather.

Despite the winter-hardiness of sorrel, you will need to winterize potted plants in places with freezing cold winters because in pots, the plant roots are not sufficiently insulated. Leave the container outdoors year-round but sink it into the ground or place it in a second, larger pot to create a planting silo.

Sorrel needs repotting into a larger pot with fresh potting soil every few years when the roots have filled the pot.

Pests and Problems

Sorrel is not prone to serious pests or diseases. The most commonly observed damage is from snails and slugs. Aphids often act as vectors of viral diseases; to keep their numbers small, give the plant a good spray with a garden hose. Powdery mildew may also occur. If a plant is heavily infected, do a thorough fall cleanup because the fungus survives the winter on diseased plant tissue. Cut the plant down to the ground and dispose of any plant parts and debris in the trash.

How to Propagate Sorrel

There are two ways to propagate sorrel, from seed in the spring or by root division in the spring or fall. Division works best if you only need a plant or two for an occasional harvest of the leaves. Dig out the clump, divide it into smaller sections, and replant them at the same depth as the original plant. Keep the new plants well-watered for the first few weeks.

If you would like to harvest a more substantial amount of sorrel, propagation from seed is better. Follow the instructions for How and When to Plant Sorrel above.

Harvesting

Baby sorrel is harvested when the leaves are about 4 inches long. Cut individual side leaves so the center can become established.

Once sorrel has grown 3 to 6 inches tall, cut the entire plant above the base.

Leaves from established mature plants should be harvested only in the early spring and when they are no longer than 4 to 6 inches, as that’s when they are the most tender and palatable. Stop harvesting sorrel when it has formed a flower stalk as the leaves turn bitter.

Types of Sorrel

Garden Sorrel

Rumex acetosa is the common sorrel found in many gardens in Europe. It produces green leaves with a tangy, lemony flavor. The leaves grow up to 8 inches long. Zone 4–9

Red-Veined Sorrel

Rumex sanguineus, also known as bloody dock, has deep green leaves with contrasting deep red to maroon veins. This species is more bitter than French sorrel and often grown more for its ornamental value than for culinary purposes. Zones 4-8

French Sorrel

Rumex scutatus, also called buckler sorrel or shield-leaf sorrel, is a low-acid species. It is less common than the two other sorrel varieties but worth tracking down because it is considered the best sorrel for culinary use. The young leaves impart a tangy flavor with hints of lemon. Old leaves may become bitter. Zone 4-8

Sorrel Companion Plants

Sage

Most commonly grown as a culinary herb, sage also offers attractive grey-green foliage and pretty light blue flowers in summer. Sage grows even in nutrient-poor soil and it is very tolerant of droughts once established. However, supplemental watering prevents foliage from becoming too tough and bitter if you plan to harvest sage flowers or leaves to eat. Zone 4-10

Tarragon

This classic French herb thrives in full sun and tolerates drought well. It reaches up to 3 feet in height in a single season. Tarragon grows well in neutral soil but a slightly acidic pH is ideal, which makes it a good companion for sorrel. Zone 5-9

Thyme

Beyond its culinary use, thyme adds plenty of color and texture to your garden. This tough and rugged perennial often forms dense mats of foliage that are topped with attractive blossoms. Many cooks plant thyme near the kitchen together with other herbs so it's quick and easy to snip a stem or two for cooking. Zone 4-9