Sorrel Seeds

How to grow Sorrel

Seed Sowing

Sorrel can be sown at any time between February – July but for best results sown outdoors in the spring in shallow drills 30cm apart, thinning to final spacing. Allow up to 6 weeks for germination.

Seeds can also be started in pots or modules, planted out once the seedlings are established. As it is a perennial, the plants will die back in the autumn but regrow from the roots in spring. If growing for flavour it is advised to treat the plant as an annual and resow each year.

Transplanting

Prepare the area by removing weeds and adding organic matter before planting. Transplant your seedlings into their final growing position in rows 30 cm apart and plants 20 cm apart from May onwards.

Sorrel are related to rhubarb and grow as such. They can be grown in containers if you’d rather prevent the plants from spreading too wide.

Plant Care

Bolting can be a problem in the height of summer. Long day length and hot, dry weather will push sorrel to produce a flower stem. If this is the case simply cut the stem to encourage regrowth. Ensure the ground has enough organic matter to retain moisture and keep it well watered.

Challenges

Slugs and snails really like young plants. If these are a problem in your garden, sow indoors and plant out when larger. Encourage slug predators like ground beetles, lizards, slow worms, and, if you’re lucky enough, hedgehogs into your garden by creating wildlife habitat.

Harvest

Pinch off young leaves by hand or with scissors once plants become established and leaves are plentiful.

Culinary Ideas

Sorrel’s tart, lemony leaves are a rich source of nutrients like vitamin C, manganese and iron. Traditional recipes call for sorrel soup to be enjoyed in the spring time but its wonderful flavour also brings a punchy edge to a salad mix or added to creamy and delicately flavoured foods like creme fraiche, pulses, eggs or chicken.

Seed Saving

Let them flower and go to seed. Once they start to turn brown, dry and brittle you can harvest. They can fall off quite easily, so get them before they drop. Snip the seed heads off or rub the seeds into a container. Leave them to dry out and keep them in a cool, dark place.