Sorrel Growing Guide

Rumex acetosa

Sorrel

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Any sunny site with good drainage.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

When established, this hardy perennial can tolerate winter temperatures to -20F (-29C).

Feeding

Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting. Each spring, mulch around the plant with rich compost.

Companions

Rosemary, sage, and other perennial herbs.

Spacing

Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow in spring. Established plants can be dug and moved anytime as long as soil is kept packed around the roots. Start seeds indoors in individual containers, set out purchased plants, or direct-sow into warm soil. Space plants 12 inches apart in all directions. Few gardeners need more than a few of these productive plants.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Pinch off blossom spikes to keep plants from reseeding in the garden, and to increase productivity. Young leaves that grow in cool weather have the mildest flavor.

Harvesting

Gather individual leaves as needed in the kitchen.

Troubleshooting

For top productivity, replace plants every few years.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Sorrel