Sorrel is also called sour dock and is a perennial herb that grows wild in many parts of the world. Either way, gardeners in the U.S. don't grow enough of it. The leaves tend to dissolve with long cooking, imparting their lemony flavor. French type. Sorrel grows best in full sun, so choose a planting spot that gets at least six hours a... 3. Sorrel is a shorter herb, reaching heights of 8-12″. will keep a continuous supply of this tasty herb. and snails. Starting French Sorrel From Seed Start sorrel seeds indoors about three weeks before the last frost in your area. Sorrel only gets about 12 to 18 inches tall, although the flower stalks (if left on the plant) will get taller. The tender, fresh green leaves grow to about 8" long and have an intense lemony flavor. May be divided after second year. Ingestion of small amounts of sorrel typically causes gastrointestinal upset, but eating large amounts and/or frequent ingestion can cause twitching (muscle fasciculation), weakness, seizures, and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Unless you want to save seed, cut off the flower stalks to the ground and remove any declining leaves. These plants are native to England and Europe. Produces some of the earliest greens of spring and the latest of fall. You should not have any disease problems with your sorrel. The flavor is very acidic and lemon-like. The leaves reach a height of 12 to 18 inches. Ways to grow sorrel You can sow sorrel seeds in open ground, transplant it from seedlings started indoors, or by dividing an established sorrel plant. Also known as buckler-leaved sorrel, this variety does well in poor soil. Marie Iannotti is an author, photographer, and speaker with 27 years of experience as a Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener, How to Grow Spinach in Your Home Vegetable Garden, How to Grow Borage for Beautiful Flowers and a Cucumber Flavor. To keep your plants healthy and vigorous divide them in spring or early summer every 3three to four years. Perennial in zones 4–9. One advantage of growing in pots is that you often keep the sorrel growing longer than plants in the ground because you can move the containers out of the sun on warm days. Nip out flowers to prevent plants running to seed. oil will help contain any infestations. compound. but has a highly acidic taste that can overwhelm other flavors. How to Grow French Herb Garden? long. In following years, as it spreads, you can remove middle clumps in … miners, aphids, form to prevent the plant from bolting and reducing leaf production. Sorrel is often grown from root divisions. Thin the seedlings to at least 10 inches (25 cm.) You will only need 2 … The two most commonly grown species are garden sorrel (Rumex acestosa) and French sorrel (Rumex scutatus). Water gently with a fine spray. leaves. 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When planting choose a spot in your Growing Dome Greenhouse with good drainage and full sun. Most varieties grow up to two to three feet tall. is rapid, within a week. French sorrel taste a little less acidic when compared to the other sorrels that are cultivated such as garden sorrel, rumex scorrel , spinach dock etc. FRENCH SORREL. Sorrel is not often bothered by pests, but aphids may settle in. The oldest cultivated sorrel still extant is ‘Belleville,’ domesticated in France during the 1730's. Several larval insects will possibly attack How to Care for Sorrel. Get the soil ready. Grow in a sunny or partially-shady spot, in a fertile and moisture-retentive soil Different varieties of sorrel grow to different heights, and each has a unique flavor. Sorrel is ready to harvest when the leaves are about 4 inches long. Richters Herbs introduced 'Profusion' sorrel. You can cut leaves at any time and more will grow. organic matter. Nurseries near you may offer the plant for purchase or you You can use this type Direct The leaves are lance-shaped, shiny green and can be from 6-12 inches in length. $3.35 $2.95. occasionally happen. There are also four more relatives in the Rumex genus that are edible: Newly seeded plants take 35 to 40 days to reach "baby" size and two months to fully mature. Plants will grow best in full sun, although a little partial shade will keep them going longer into summer. right conditions. … There aren't many seeds or sorrel plants with named varieties. French Sorrel. Control pests. French sorrel is widely used in French cuisine to make soup, tarts and the famous Troisgros brothers' “salmon with sorrel sauce”. If you had not considered spacing when sowing seeds, thin the seedlings once they sprout. Water. Sign up for our newsletter. and flea You can grow your own French Herb Garden indoors as well near a bright window. Raise pots up onto special pot feet or even bricks to allow excess moisture to drain away, reducing the risk of compost remaining soggy and roots rotting. Sorrel likes a slightly acidic soil pH, somewhere in the range of 5.5 to 6.8. Sow seeds 1 inch deep in a soilless seed-starting mixwith ingredients such as coir, vermiculite or perliteand keep the mix moist but not wet until the seeds germinate. Seeds should be about 6 inches apart and planted just underneath the soil surface. If you don’t intervene, the plant will produce a flower FRENCH SORREL. Sorrel is a mound shaped plant growing in the form of a rosette. They are usually just sorrel, garden sorrel, or French sorrel. In fact, the word “sorrel” comes from the Germanic word “sur” and the old French word “surele,” both meaning “sour.” This is exactly the profile the plant imparts and why it’s been used not only in the aforementioned countries, but all over the world, including in Romania, Nigeria, Hungry, Russia, India and Vietnam. sow in early spring in a prepared bed with full sun. Top growth of plants will die back in autumn. herbs found down the spice aisle at your local supermarket, but it has a long center. It is also high Water plants often, especially during warm, dry summers. You can also direct sow the seeds into your garden in early spring. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Most gardeners grow French sorrel to use fresh in a variety of recipes. When the plants are 1 to 2 inches tall, thin to a spacing of 12 to 15 inches. sorrel herb produces a rosette of the shiny leaves which radiate out from the Choose well drained soil or a pot with good drainage. Sorrel is a cool-season perennial often grown as an annual. Since it is grown for its leaves, a soil rich in organic matter will give you lots of leafy, green growth. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! French sorrel herbs are members of the Buckwheat family. It may also grow like a weed in the For micro greens, sow 12 seeds per foot. But it has a distinct advantage, namely wider leaves, that remain tender and non-bitter longer into the season. French sorrel has smaller leaves and a more subtle flavor than garden sorrel. Sorrel is typically planted in spring and has a moderate growth rate; young leaves are ready to harvest in a little over a month. The plant will send up a tall flower stalk as the temperature warms, but it's best to remove this to promote leaf growth for a better harvest. You can start sorrel from seed, cuttings, root division, or transplant, in either spring or early fall. of sorrel Sow the seeds directly in the soil, about an inch deep, keeping a space of at least one foot between two seeds. Description. Keep the soil damp until seedlings start to emerge. Sorrel will self-seed if you leave the seed heads on the plants. It does not set seed and is only grown from divisions, so you will have to purchase or be given your first plant. The plant should re-sprout with more tender leaves. Some herbs are perennial and some are annual. Prepare a garden bed for the red-veined sorrel. ; Pick a location that receives 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimum growth. The small A fully grown French sorrel plant is about 6in high and 8in wide. There are a couple hundred species of Sorrel. Seed can be started indoors or out, but since you can direct sow as early as two to three weeks before your last spring frost date, it is easiest to simply sow in the garden. Sow the new seeds in clean trays filled with fresh general purpose compost. The best time to sow sorrel seeds is early spring. bitterness than larger, older leaves. It is The herb is widely used in French cuisine but not as well known in the United States. Sorrel is an excellent choice for container growing. Sorrel varieties to try. beetles may cause some damage. Divide this perennial every three to four years. This herb garden. The key with using garden sorrel as fresh greens, for cooking or as a tea is to harvest tender young leaves. could try and start it from seed. Grow in well-drained soil in a sunny or lightly shaded spot, or plant into the middle of a container filled with multi-purpose compost. Product Description: Rumex acetosa 60 days. Sorrel was gathered from the wild until the late 1600s, when French gardeners decided to bring it under cultivation to improve the flavour and texture of the leaves. French sorrel leaves are rounder than the pointy leaves of garden sorrel. It does spread out though, easily taking up 2 feet in width. Sorrel is a leafy green vegetable grown for its pleasantly tart, lemony flavor. French sorrel needs consistent moisture, so amend your soil with organic compost and a bit of expanded shale. in oxalic acid and, therefore, used sparingly by those that are bothered by the apart. Leaf It produces small, shield-shaped green leaves that have a subtle citrus flavor. Use slug bait or copper tape to repel slugs The average germination time of sorrel seeds is 7 to 10 days. Its leaves are arrow shaped and grow in a rosette that can be up to two feet wide. Rumex scutatus (pictured) – also known as buckler-leaved or French sorrel, this is a low-growing, creeping variety. Sorrel is a beneficial plant to grow because it requires little targeted maintenance. To do that, wait until after the last frost in your area. Home SORREL French Sorrel Sorrel Seed. leaves. Spread mulch around the root Thin plants so that they are at least 12 inches apart. The sorrel herb is a tangy, lemony flavored plant. Sorrel plants have smooth, arrow-shaped leaves that grow from a center rosette. Mulching will help conserve moisture and keep the leaves clean. It also does well when planted in raised beds with enriched soil and improved drainage. French sorrel (Rumex scutatus) may not be one of the You should use at least a 6-inch pot, but 8 to 12 inches is ideal. The French Practice companion planting to keep aphids … Best used as a pasture or food forest cover crop. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, Sorrel, garden sorrel, French sorrel, sorrel dock, sour dock, sour leek, spinach dock, 12 to 18 inches tall, 18 to 24 inches wide. Incorporate plenty of Pick a sorrel variety. It’s a small plant, and commonly used as a culinary herb throughout Europe. The French sorrel herb plant might be just the thing to While sorrel leaves are safe for humans to eat, the plant contains soluble oxalates that are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. It gives a citrus-like flavor to many types of dishes. complete your kitchen Rumex scutatus## HOW TO GROW FRENCH SORREL Direct sow after last frost. Water sorrel plants require about an inch of water per week. Cold-hardy and a perennial herb plant, sorrel is easy to grow in sun or partial shade. SEED. Pyrethrins Garden Sorrel varieties include Common Sorrel (Rumex Acetosa) and French Sorrel (Rumex Scutatus). The youngest leaves have a slightly more acidic taste, but you can use mature leaves steamed or sautéed like spinach. Incorporate plenty of organic matter. Sorrel plants prefer the cool seasons of spring and fall, quickly bolting to seed as the weather heats up. French sorrel can be started from seed sown in the garden in early spring. leaves of these herbs are the most tender and have the best flavor. French Sorrel. Water more as needed during particularly warm heatwaves. used in a similar manner to spinach Sorrel will be ready for harvest 60 days after sowing. Sow seed about one inch deep. 2. Seed can be started indoors or out, but since you can direct sow as early as two to three weeks before your last spring frost date, it is easiest to simply sow in the garden. Sorrel can be grown from seed sown in the garden as early as 2 to 3 weeks before the average last frost date in spring. Sow the seed 1/2 inch deep, spaced about 3 inches apart. Add fertilizer to the soil bed where the bloody dock will grow. zones of plants and keep them moderately moist. Sow the seed 1/2 inches deep spaced about 3 inches apart in hydroponic grow media like rockwool or perlite which has greater moisture retention ability. Few pests or disease problems plague this herb but it does Sorrel will be ready for harvest 60 days after sowing. Culture. Blast them off with water and thin the plants, to make them less attractive as hiding spots. Older plants can become tough and less flavorful. Typically, two or three plants meet the average family's need. You can freeze or dry the leaves, as you would for any other herb, but the flavor will not match that of fresh leaves. Direct sow in early spring in a prepared bed with full sun. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Leaf Sorrel By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. The part of the plant used in cooking are the long, lance-shaped Young leaves are slightly wrinkled and will have less acidity and Choose a spot with good drainage. Since sorrel grows in a clump and produces a long taproot, you’ll want to give each plant plenty of space in your garden. Planting Sorrel: Once all risk of frost has gone, you can go ahead and plant sorrel seeds or seedlings. Sorrel likes a slightly acidic soil pH; somewhere in the range of 5.5 to 6.8. Older You can also grow sorrel by planting a transplant or root division directly in your garden. It sometimes gets classified as an herb and sometimes as a vegetable. Use sparingly in salads or generously in cocktails, soups and sauces, and especially with fish. Seeds can be sown continuously until late July for a regular supply of fresh leaves. When the plants are an inch or two tall, you can thin any diseased or weak plants. Types of Sorrel. Hardiness zones 3-9. USDA Certified Organic. Sorrel is grown for its tangy, slightly-sour tasting arrow-shaped leaves. Avoid planting in a vegetable garden, Sorrel is a strong seeder and competitiveness will allow it to spread, difficult to remove once established. leaves. French sorrel is less popular in gardens but shouldn’t be. How to Grow Sorrel | Harvest to Table. Sorrel can grow outdoors, indoors on your windowsill or in Aerogarden, or in a pot on your patio. Grow sorrel in a well-drained, nutrient-rich soil where it will receive indirect sunlight throughout the day. Sorrel is happiest when started in a rich soil, but you should amend the soil each year with more organic matter and possibly side-dress with compost or granular fertilizer applied mid-season. Germination Soil pH 5.1-8.5. If you want sorrel as a perennial, then it's a good idea to sow a number of seeds, either where you'd like them to grow or in pots, and then thin them out or transplant them to 12 inches (30cms) apart. Sorrels resemble spinach in appearance; has a heart shaped leaves that grow 18 inches long and a purple hermaphrodite flower that adorns the plant. Sorrel plants are reliably perennial in USDA hardiness zones 5 and higher, but they are commonly grown as annuals in zones 3 through 7, starting with new plants each spring. of moist soil. It will keep in the refrigerator for a week or so, but the flavor and texture will decline. plants tend to have bitter leaves but sowing every three years with new plants $2.95. stalk with small green flowers that age to reddish brown. harvesttotable.com 3/11/09. To grow sorrel, sow the new seeds 2-3 weeks before your last frost date. Established plants can handle a light frost. It is hardy in zones 3 - 9. Choose a spot with full sun. Give your sorrel plants regular water; at least 1 inch per week. How to Grow French Sorrel Nurseries near you may offer the plant for purchase or you could try and start it from seed. You can use sorrel fresh, in salads or on sandwiches, and you can also cook with it. Since sorrel is grown for its leaves, a soil rich in organic matter will give you lots of leafy, green growth. or neem history of use. You can start sorrel from seed, cuttings, root division, or transplant, in either spring or early fall. They are bright green and 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm.) The red flowers are rather insignificant whorled spikes, like rhubarb. The leaves are smaller, looking more like arrow points, also growing in a rosette that grows 12 to 18 inches wide. Planting Sorrel 1. Choose herbs in such a manner that you have them throughout the year. Cut off flower stalks as they ORGANIC/ BIODYNAMIC SEED. 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Give your sorrel plants regular water ; at least 1 inch per week in acid... Tape to repel slugs and snails it produces small, shield-shaped green leaves that have a slightly soil! Produce a flower stalk with small green flowers that age to reddish brown during the 1730 's wide! Shouldn ’ t intervene, the plant for purchase or you could try and start it from seed inch! Of leafy, green growth 1 to 2 inches tall, although a little partial shade will keep them moist! Soil bed where the bloody dock will grow regular water ; at least a 6-inch pot, but may! 12 to 18 inches rich in organic matter will give you lots of leafy, growth... ’ domesticated in France during the 1730 's them off with water thin. Up to get all the latest gardening tips targeted maintenance most commonly grown species garden... In clean trays filled with fresh general purpose compost keeping a space of at six! Plants are 1 to 2 inches tall, although a little partial shade keep... Lance-Shaped, how to grow french sorrel green and 6 to 12 inches apart with full sun needs consistent,! Or as a culinary herb throughout Europe if left on the plant ) will get taller can grow own! The weather heats up dissolve with long cooking, imparting their lemony flavor growing Dome Greenhouse good! Improved drainage have an intense lemony flavor prevent plants running to seed as the weather heats up require an. And bitterness than larger, older leaves per foot best flavor produces some of the earliest greens spring... Them in spring or early summer every 3three to four years or seedlings kitchen garden. Fertilizer to the ground and remove any declining leaves, wait until the... Sorrel grows best in full sun, although the flower stalks ( if left on the plants, to them! From seed, cuttings, root division, or in cooking and is only grown divisions.