How to Grow Sorrel

Sorrel is an easy-to-grow perennial

Perennials are plants that live for multiple years. They come in all shapes and sizes and fill our gardens with colourful flowers and ornamental foliage. Many are hardy and can survive outdoors all year round, while less hardy types need protection over winter. The term herbaceous perennial is used to describe long-lived plants without a permanent woody structure (they die back to ground level each autumn), distinguishing them from trees, shrubs and sub-shrubs. , harvested from spring to autumn. The leaves add a refreshing, citrusy tang to salads, soups, sauces and many other dishes.

Sorrel can be grown for cut-and-come-again baby leaves in a herb garden, veg patch or container. Just a few leaves added to a mixed salad provide a sour but crisp flavour. Young sorrel leaves can also be cooked and used like spinach. Sorrel is best harvested regularly to encourage a steady supply of fresh young leaves. Older leaves can become tough and bitter.

Sorrel is happy in sun or partial shade, and tolerates most soil types. Plants should live for many years, dying back over winter then re-sprouting from the ground in spring.

There are three species of sorrel often grown for their tangy edible leaves. They differ in appearance and the leaves taste slightly different, but all are hardy throughout the UK.

French sorrel or buckler-leaf sorrel (Rumex scutatus) has grey-green, juicy, citrus-flavoured leaves, ideal for adding to salads. It has a low-growing, mat-forming habit, growing 15–45cm (6–18in) tall and spreading to about 1m (3ft). The leaves are shield-shaped, with tips that can be pointed or rounded. The variety ‘Silver Shield’ has attractive silvery-green leaves.

Common sorrel (R. acetosa) is a UK native

A native plant is one that originated or arrived naturally in a particular place without human involvement. In the British Isles, native plants are those that were here during the last ice age or have arrived unaided since. perennial

Perennials are plants that live for multiple years. They come in all shapes and sizes and fill our gardens with colourful flowers and ornamental foliage. Many are hardy and can survive outdoors all year round, while less hardy types need protection over winter. The term herbaceous perennial is used to describe long-lived plants without a permanent woody structure (they die back to ground level each autumn), distinguishing them from trees, shrubs and sub-shrubs. , forming clumps of leaves with a sour, slightly astringent lemony flavour. It has an upright habit, with green leafy growth reaching about 50cm (20in) tall and wide. Its flower spikes can reach over 1m (3½ft) tall – they look similar to dock flowers (a close relative) and can also self-seed liberally.

Red-veined sorrel,a variation of the wood dock R. sanguineus, has leaves with a sharp flavour that are also very decorative. The rosettes

Rosettes are the circular arrangement of flower petals; or a cluster of leaves radiating from approximately the same point usually around a stem. Examples include aeonium and most succulent plants, African violets, primula, sempervivums. of green leaves have dark red veins and stems. Clumps generally grow to 40–60cm (16–24in) tall and about 30cm (12in) wide.

Native sheep's sorrel (R. acetosella) is also edible, but not generally grown as a garden herb, although it's sometimes used as foraged wild leaves. Several species of Oxalis are also commonly known as sorrel, but are usually grown as ornamental plants or wildflowers.

For inspiration on growing all kinds of herbs, visit the RHS gardens – you'll find herb collections and veg plots full of tasty and aromatic herbs and salad leaves.

What & where to buy

Seeds and young plants of the three sorrels listed above are sold by garden centres and online retailers. Young plants are mainly available in spring and summer. Two or three plants are usually sufficient for most needs, as the leaves are only used sparingly. However, you might choose to grow larger numbers of red-veined sorrel for its ornamental qualities.

Recommended Varieties

French sorrel

Rumex scutatus – grey-green, shield-shaped leaves. Image © Shutterstock

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Red-veined sorrel

Variations of Rumex sanguineus. Decorative leaves with a strong flavour.

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Common sorrel

Rumex acetosa – native culinary sorrel, its leaves have a sour, lemony flavour.

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Choose a site in full sun or partial shade. Sorrel grows well in fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Before planting or sowing sorrel, weed the ground thoroughly then fork it over to break up any hard lumps. If you have poor or very free-draining soil, mix in some well-rotted organic matter. If sowing directly into the ground, remove any stones and rake the soil until it has a fine, crumbly texture. Alternatively, if you’re practising no-dig, mulch

Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings. the surface with well-rotted organic matter and sow or plant directly into the mulch.

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French, common and red-veined sorrel are all easy to grow from seed, sown either indoors or outside. Sorrel also self-seeds readily if you let it flower and set seed.

Sowing indoors

In spring, fill modules

Small individual cells, usually in a tray, used for sowing seeds. The resulting seedlings can be transplanted with minimal root disturbance. or small pots with moist, peat-free seed compost

Seed compost is a free-draining compost formulated for germinating seed. It often contains a mix of fine materials including sterilised loam, coir, coarse sand or grit. It contains low levels of nutrients, as high levels could damage seedlings. and sow seeds about 1cm (½in) deep. Place in a warm, bright location such as a windowsill or in a propagator

A propagator is a portable, lightweight structure usually plastic, with a vented or unvented lid to provide a humid, slightly warmer atmosphere. It is useful to help seeds germinate and root cuttings. It may have adjustable, thermostatic temperature control. . Germination

Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. It starts with the seed coat absorbing water, expanding and splitting, which allows oxygen and water into the seed so its food reserves can be broken down and used by the embryo for growth. The first root (called the radicle) pushes into the soil to anchor the new plant in place and start absorbing water and nutrients. The first shoot (called the plumule) then grows upwards, out of the soil, towards the light. should take one to two weeks at temperatures around 15°C (59°F).

When the seedlings

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed. have several leaves, move each one into an individual pot about 7.5cm (3in) in size. Keep them somewhere warm and bright, and water regularly. The young plants can be transplanted

Moving a plant from one growing position to another, often from a pot to its final spot in the garden. outside in late spring or early summer (see Planting below).

Sowing outdoors

Sow sorrel seeds outside from mid-spring to early summer, in a short drill

A miniature furrow typically 1–5cm deep, made with a stick, hoe or rake. It is used for planting seeds or bulbs, and ensures they are positioned at the correct depth and spacing. 1cm (½in) deep. They can also be sown in containers filled with peat-free soil-based compost

Soil-based compost is a potting compost that includes sterilised soil/loam in the mix. As loam contains sand, silt and clay, it does not rot down like organic materials, so adding soil/loam to compost ensures it is longer lasting – it is often used for shrubs in pots and will last 3–4 years without the need to be replaced. mixed with fine peat-free multi-purpose compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. . Sow seeds sparingly, as a few plants are usually sufficient. Water in dry weather and thin seedlings

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed. to 20–30cm (8–12in) apart if necessary.

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Young sorrel plants – either grown from seed or bought in pots – can be planted outside from spring to early summer. Harden off indoor-raised plants first to acclimatise them to outdoor conditions. Although sorrel will tolerate most soil types, you'll get a better crop of leaves growing it in rich, moisture-retentive soil (see Preparing the Ground above).

Sorrel will grow well in full sun or partial shade. Position the plants at the same level they were previously growing, and space them 20–30cm (8–12in) apart. French sorrel can have a much wider spacing if you're happy to have gaps between plants for the first few years. Firm them in, then water well.

You can grow sorrel in containers, which is useful if you have limited ground space and don't want sorrel to spread in borders. Plant in a container at least 30cm (12in) wide and 20cm (8in) deep, filled with a 50:50 mix of peat-free soil-based and peat-free multi-purpose compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. .

Once established, sorrel generally needs little maintenance. Simply snip out any flower stems to keep plants producing fresh leaves and to prevent self-seeding if you don’t want more plants. Mulching

Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings. plants annually and dividing them every four or five years will help keep them productive.

Watering

Water seedlings

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed. and newly planted sorrel during dry spells until well rooted. Established plants

Established plants have been in their current location for two or three years and so have well-developed root systems able to support strong growth with healthy foliage and flowers. growing in the ground shouldn't need any additional watering – except during exceptionally prolonged dry spells.

Plants in containers need particular attention, as the compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. can dry out quickly in warm weather, so check the compost regularly and aim to keep it evenly moist. Move containers into a shaded spot during hot, sunny spells, to reduce the need for watering. Make sure plants in containers don’t get waterlogged

Describes soil or potting compost that is saturated with water. The water displaces air from the spaces between soil particles and plant roots can literally drown, unless they are adapted to growing in waterlogged conditions. Waterlogging is common on poorly drained soil or when heavy soil is compacted. over winter though, as the roots may rot – move them to a sheltered spot, such as near a building in a rain shadow.

Propagating

Divide established sorrel plants every four or five years in spring or autumn to rejuvenate congested clumps and ensure plants stay productive. Sorrel will readily self-sow if you let it flower and produce seeds, or you can collect ripe seeds

Ripe seeds are hard, usually yellow, brown or black, and contained in a seedpod that can be buff coloured, white or brown and dry. Ripe seeds usually eject the seedpod easily and naturally. and sow them where you want them to grow.

Mulching

In late winter or early spring, apply a mulch

Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings. of well-rotted organic matter, such as garden compost, around clumps of sorrel growing in the ground. Mulching

Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings. will improve your soil, help to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Young sorrel leaves can be harvested from when new growth starts in spring right through into autumn. Regular picking encourages plants to produce young, tender leaves. Add them to mixed salads and sandwiches, and scatter chopped leaves over various cooked dishes. They can also be steamed like spinach. If the leaves get too old and bitter, simply remove them to encourage new growth.

Once settled in, sorrel is usually robust and healthy. Seedlings

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed. and young leaves may need to be protected from slugs and snails. Soft new growth may also attract aphids, although treatment is rarely necessary.

Common Problems

Aphids

Aphids are sap-sucking insects, they have many predators and are the basis for many food chains. The sap sucking can cause a lack of plant vigour, dis...

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Slugs and snails

Slugs and snails are common garden animals, and they are well suited to the damp, mild climate of the UK. A few species feed on garden plants, but mos...

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