🌿 Sorrel: Growing Guide
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) grows best in partial shade with moderate watering, and does well at −20 to 30 °C (−4 to 86 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart. Expect 60+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Rumex acetosa |
|---|---|
| Category | Vegetables |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 30 cm (12 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −20 to 30 °C (−4 to 86 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 60+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm (0.2 in) |
| Height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||
| Continental | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Tropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar, Sep · Plant out: Apr, Oct · Harvest: May–Jun, Nov.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Jun, Oct.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Feb–Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Jun, Oct–Nov.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Jan, Jul · Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jan, Jul · Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Feb, Aug · Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Apr–May, Sep.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Steady moisture.
Growing tips
Sour taste (oxalic acid). Salads and sauces. Perennial! French cuisine.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Sorrel: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar, Sep · Plant out: Apr, Oct · Harvest: May–Jun, Nov. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Jun, Oct. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Feb–Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Jun, Oct–Nov.
Sorrel: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Steady moisture.
Sorrel: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 30 cm (12 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0.5 cm (0.2 in).
Sorrel: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 60+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Sorrel: which plants grow well with it?
Spinach, Lettuce.
Sorrel: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids.
Plan your garden
Add Sorrel to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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