Herb Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 3 - 7
- Height: 16 - 24 inches
- Bloom Season: Mid summer to early fall
- Bloom Color: Green
- Environment: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Rich, well-drained soil, pH 5.6 - 6.5
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 68F
- Average Germ Time: 7 - 14 days
- Light Required: Yes
- Depth: 1/4 inch
- Sowing Rate: 3 - 4 seeds per plant
- Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: 9 - 12 inches
Garden Sorrel (Rumex Acetosa) - Garden Sorrel is a becoming more well-known and used in the United States as a culinary herb. It comes from Europe and has been used there for centuries. Its use dates back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. This variety, Green de Belleville, has green arrow-shaped leaves that have a slightly acidic taste and is slower to bolt than other varieties. When the leaves are eaten fresh and added to salads or a sandwich, they add a little zest and tang. Sorrel can also be chopped or shredded and added to soups for flavoring.
Garden Sorrel has historically been used as a medicinal herb. It has been used to treat fevers and scurvy. The juice from the leaves is used to calm itchy skin rashes and ringworm. Sorrel is a highly nutritious herb. It is high in vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium.
Start the Sorrel herb seed directly outdoors after frost season has passed. Prepare a seedbed that is located in full sun or partial shade. Add organic matter to the soil. Cover the seeds with ½ inch of soil. Leaves can be harvested any time after the first couple of months of spring growth. When flower stalks emerge cut them back. Sorrel herb plants should be divided every 3- 5 years and replanted.
