How to Grow Sorrel

Growing guide

Overview

Sorrel is a cold-hardy perennial green grown for its tart, lemony leaves. It returns year after year and is one of the first greens ready in spring, making it a low-effort crop for beginners. Give it full sun to partial shade, moderate water, and well-drained loamy soil, and it will produce for years.

Soil & planting prep

Sorrel prefers loamy, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. Work in 2 to 4 inches of compost before planting. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart and sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep.

When to plant

Direct sow sorrel in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked and about 2 to 4 weeks before your last frost date; it is frost-tolerant and will germinate in cool soil. In mild climates, you can also sow in late summer or early fall, about 6 to 8 weeks before the first fall frost, for a crop the following spring. It does not need to be started indoors.

How to plant

1. Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
2. Clear the area of weeds and mix in 2 to 4 inches of compost.
3. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
4. Thin seedlings to 12 to 18 inches apart once they have two true leaves.
5. Water gently after planting and keep the soil evenly moist until plants are established.

5 common mistakes to avoid

• Letting the soil dry out completely: sorrel has shallow roots and drought stress makes leaves tough and bitter, so water when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Harvesting only old, mature leaves: they become tough and overly sour, so pick young, tender leaves regularly to keep the plant producing.
• Allowing flower stalks to develop: bolting signals the plant to stop leaf production and turns leaves bitter, so cut flower stems as soon as they appear.
• Crowding plants closer than 12 inches: poor air circulation encourages slugs and leaf spot, so thin seedlings to the recommended spacing.
• Growing in waterlogged soil: sorrel roots rot in soggy conditions, so plant in raised beds or containers if your soil drains poorly.

Harvesting & storage

Begin harvesting 30 to 60 days after sowing, when leaves are large enough to use. Pick outer leaves first, leaving the center to keep growing, or cut the whole plant back to 2 inches above the crown for a flush of new growth. Store leaves in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Companion planting

Sorrel grows well with strawberries, lettuce, and other low-growing greens that share its moisture needs. Avoid planting it near tall, aggressive spreaders like mint that can crowd it out.

Growing in containers

Sorrel grows well in containers at least 3 gallons in size. Use a well-drained potting mix, keep it moderately watered, and place it in full sun to partial shade.

Pro tips

Direct sow in early spring. Harvest young leaves for salad (mild) or mature for cooking (tangier). Divide plants every few years. Cut flower stalks to keep leaves tender.