Sorrel is a cool-season perennial often grown as an annual. 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. Sorrel will be ready for harvest 60 days after sowing.
Plant sorrel in full sun. Sorrel grows best in well-worked, well-drained soil rich in organic material. Add aged compost to planting beds before planting. Sorrel prefers a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.8.
Sorrels are very hardy. Sow sorrel in the garden as early as 2 to 3 weeks before the average date of last frost in spring. In zones 5 and warmer, sorrel will grow as a perennial. Divide plants to renew them every 3 to 4 years.
Sow sorrel seed ½ inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. Thin successful seedlings from 12 to 18 inches apart when plants are 6 to 8 weeks old. Space rows 18 to 24 inches apart. Divide established sorrel in spring. Choose male plants ( without flowers ) for divisions to avoid reseeding.
Sorrel should be kept evenly moist. Add aged compost to planting beds before planting and again at mid season.
You can easily grow Sorrel in a container. Sorrel grows well in a 6-inch pot. In larger containers, plant sorrel on 8-inch centers.
A flavorful perennial herb grown for its tender green leaves and bright, tangy, lemon-like flavor. Long valued in European kitchen gardens, Sorrel is a favorite for salads, soups, sauces, and fresh herb mixes. Its clean citrus bite makes it especially useful where a refreshing, slightly tart flavor is desired.
This attractive leafy herb forms a clump of upright, arrow-shaped leaves and grows beautifully in containers, raised beds, and kitchen gardens. French Sorrel is easy to grow, productive, and well suited for gardeners who enjoy harvesting fresh greens over a long season.
UsesFrench Sorrel grows very well in containers. Choose a pot at least 10–12 inches wide with good drainage. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix and place the container where it receives full sun to partial shade.
In hot climates, afternoon shade helps keep the leaves tender and prevents plants from becoming stressed. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during warm weather. Regular harvesting encourages new leaf growth and helps maintain the best flavor and texture.
Germination InstructionsBegin harvesting young leaves once plants are well established. Pick outer leaves as needed, leaving the center of the plant to continue producing new growth. Young leaves have the mildest, most pleasant flavor.
Regular harvesting helps keep plants productive and delays flowering. If flower stalks appear, remove them to encourage continued leaf production.
Why Grow French Sorrel?French Sorrel is a rewarding herb for gardeners who enjoy fresh, flavorful greens. Its lemony taste, easy care, container adaptability, and long harvest season make it a valuable addition to patio planters, herb gardens, and edible landscapes. Whether used fresh in salads or cooked into classic sauces and soups, French Sorrel brings a bright, refreshing flavor to the kitchen garden.
One of the most ornamental edible herbs that can be grown in a container garden. Its striking lime-green leaves are dramatically highlighted by intricate deep red veins, creating a beautiful display that is equally at home in decorative planters, herb gardens, edible landscapes, and mixed ornamental containers.
Beyond its beauty, Red Veined Sorrel is a productive culinary herb. The young leaves offer a refreshing lemony flavor similar to traditional sorrel, making them excellent additions to salads, sandwiches, soups, sauces, and fresh herb mixes. Its combination of ornamental appeal and kitchen usefulness has made it a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike.
UsesRed Veined Sorrel is exceptionally well suited to container culture. Plant it in a container at least 10–12 inches wide using a rich, moisture-retentive potting mix with good drainage.
Place containers in full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, afternoon shade helps maintain tender foliage and vibrant leaf coloration. Keep soil consistently moist, as sorrel performs best when it does not dry out completely.
Regular harvesting encourages fresh new growth and helps maintain a compact, attractive plant.
Germination InstructionsHarvest young outer leaves regularly once plants are well established. The youngest leaves offer the mildest flavor and most tender texture. Continual harvesting promotes vigorous new growth and extends the productive season.
If flower stalks begin to form, remove them promptly to encourage continued leaf production and maintain the plant's attractive appearance.
Why Grow Red Veined Sorrel?Few edible herbs combine ornamental beauty and culinary usefulness as effectively as Red Veined Sorrel. Its dramatic crimson-veined foliage creates a stunning visual display while providing a steady harvest of tangy, flavorful leaves. Easy to grow and highly adaptable to containers, it is an outstanding choice for gardeners who appreciate plants that are both beautiful and productive.