Sorrel Sowing and Growing

Sorrel is an easy-to-grow, perennial herb and belongs to the Polygonaceae family. The plant is fully hardy, the top growth dies down in winter and sprout out in spring. Sorrel prefers a not too sunny spot. It has a sour, lemony, flavour which also is somewhat similar to spinach. As sorrel contains a fairly high level of oxalic acid, it is advised not to eat too much of it or too often.

Growing sorrel from seeds

Sorrel is native to Europe and northern Asia and is easy to grow. The herb requires little care and, unlike many other herbs, can be grown in a somewhat shady spot. The perennial plant is resistant to frost. It is also easy to sow.

Sorrel can also be grown as a vegetable sprout.

Sowing and planting of sorrel

In the open ground, sorrel can be sown from April to August. Sow in rows with a row and planting distance of 25 to 30 cm. If necessary, thin out slightly after emergence. Bear in mind that the plants can grow up to 90 cm high. 

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Position and soil for Sorrel seeds

Sorrel prefers a somewhat shady to sunny spot in your herb garden or allotment. It basically grows in any type of soil, but slightly acidic and moist soil is preferred. 

It is best to prepare the soil before sowing by adding compost. 

How to care for your sorrel plants

Sorrel needs little care. If the soil has already been prepared with compost before sowing, there is basically no need to fertilise. Sorrel does like slightly moist soil, though, so regular watering, especially in the warm months, is necessary.

When and how to harvest sorrel?

Depending on when it was sown, it can be harvested from June to November. Harvest the young leaves, these are the tastiest. It is possible to harvest during flowering, but the leaves can taste a bit bitter.

How to preserve sorrel

Sorrel can be kept in the fridge for a few days. As the leaves become limp quickly, you can wrap them in wet kitchen paper. Sorrel can also be frozen.

Is sorrel healthy?

Sorrel is very healthy and contains for instance a lot of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and iron. But sorrel also contains oxalic acid, which for example may cause osteoporosis, kidney and bladder stones and uterine irritation. That is why it is recommended to not eat sorrel every day and not too much at once. Eating it during pregnancy is also not recommended.

Sorrel seeds in our collection

In our range, we currently have two types of sorrel: common sorrel and microgreens sorrel ’red veined’.

Tips to grow sorrel

• For those who want to enjoy the sour taste of sorrel all year round, this herb can also be grown as a vegetable sprout (microgreens).
• Sorrel self-seeds easily. To prevent this, you can remove the flowers before the seeds have been formed.

Should sorrel have spread anyway, lime can be spread. The soil will then become less acidic. Sorrel will grow less because it prefers acid soil.

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