This hardy perennial is also be grown as an annual to harvest baby leaves or full-size leaves.
If grown as annual greens, sorrel is fast to reach the harvest stage.
The perennial plant is long-lived, developing a dense mound of foliage over time.
Where to Plant Sorrel
Select a location in full to partial shade with well-drained, acidic soil.
If growing it as an annual, interplant a row of sorrel with other cool-season leafy greens.
As a perennial, group it with perennial herbs that prosper in similar growing conditions.
Sorrel remains a compact plant so you wont need to fear that it will take over an area.
No matter how you start the seeds, plant them 14 inch deep.
Thin seedlings to 8 inches apart (baby leaves dont require thinning).
Sorrel Care Tips
Sorrel is a low-maintenance, undemanding plant.
Light
Plant sorrel in full sun or partial shade.
Soil and Water
Sorrel adapts to a range of soil types.
Acidic soil with apH between 5.5 to 6.8is ideal.
Keep seedlings and young plants evenly moist at all times.
For the freshest leaves, however, constantly moist soil is best, so water in dry weather.
Temperature and Humidity
This is very a cold-hardy plant that survives even subzero winters.
Extremely hot and humid summers, on the other hand, are not conducive to growing sorrel.
Fertilizer
There is no need to fertilize sorrel.
Pruning
Cut off the flower stalks as they emerge.
This not only saves the plant considerable energy but also prevents it from self-seeding, which might happen occasionally.
In the early spring, remove any dead foliage to make room for the new growth.
Potting and Repotting
Sorrel it suitable for growing in pots.
Select a pot with good drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting mix.
Remember that container plants need more frequent watering than plants in the ground, especially in hot summer weather.
Pests and Problems
Sorrel is not prone to serious pests or diseases.
The most commonly observed damage is from snails and slugs.
Cut the plant down to the ground and dispose of any plant parts and debris in the trash.
Division works best if you only need a plant or two for an occasional harvest of the leaves.
Keep the new plants well-watered for the first few weeks.
Harvesting
Baby sorrel is harvested when the leaves are about 4 inches long.
Cut individual side leaves so the center can become established.
Once sorrel has grown 3 to 6 inches tall, cut the entire plant above the base.
Stop harvesting sorrel when it has formed a flower stalk as the leaves turn bitter.
It produces green leaves with a tangy, lemony flavor.
The leaves grow up to 8 inches long.
The young leaves impart a tangy flavor with hints of lemon.
Old leaves may become bitter.
Sage grows even in nutrient-poor soil and it is very tolerant of droughts once established.
Zone 4-10
Tarragon
This classic French herb thrives in full sun and tolerates drought well.
It reaches up to 3 feet in height in a single season.
Zone 5-9
Thyme
Beyond its culinary use,thymeadds plenty of color and texture to your garden.
This tough and rugged perennial often forms dense mats of foliage that are topped with attractive blossoms.
Confusingly, several plants acid-tasting leaves are called sorrel although they are not related.
Garden sorrel is in a different plant family, Polygonaceae.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Rumex acetosella.North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
