How to Grow Sorrel Herb Plants
Perennial, Rumex Acetosa, Rumex Scutatus
The Sorrel plant is grown in herb gardens for its tangy flavored, arrow-shaped
leaves. This cool weather, culinary herb is an easy to grow perennial. Often,
they are grown as annuals.
Young, tender Sorrel leaves are used fresh in garden salads. It is also used
in soups, or sautéed, like spinach or chard.
Try growing Sorrel plants in containers on a balcony or deck.
Types of Sorrel
There are a couple hundred species of Sorrel. Most varieties grow up
to two to three feet tall.
Garden Sorrel varieties include Common Sorrel (Rumex Acetosa) and French
Sorrel (Rumex Scutatus). These plants are native to England and Europe.
Other types, many not eaten, include: Mountain Sorrel, Sheep Sorrel, Golden
Dock and Western Dock.
The information below describes how to grow and harvest Common and French
varieties of Sorrel.
Plant Propagation:
Sorrel plants are grown from seed, or division of their roots.
Directly sow seeds into your garden. Sow seeds early in the season, two
to three weeks before the last frost in your area. Cover lightly with 1/2"
fine soil.
Space seedlings, or thin plants to 12-18" apart.
Days to Germination: 6-10
Plant Height: 12-18 inches
How to Grow Sorrel Herb Plants:
Sorrel is easy to grow. The plants prefer full sun and cool weather. They
grow well rich, moist soil. Add plenty of compost prior to planting.
For established plants, add compost or mulch to keep weeds down, and retain
moisture. Keep well weeded.
Water the plants during dry periods and droughts, once or twice a week Add
a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.
Harvest young, tender leaves after the plant is about six inches tall. You
can aggressively harvest the leaves. New grow will appear.
Remove flowers prior to blooming to extend the growing season.
Aphids can sometimes be a problem. Use only organic controls.
Plant disease is uncommon.
Sorrel Herb's Medicinal Benefits:
Sorrel plants are used as a diuretic.
Sheep Sorrel has been used to treat fever, scurvy and tumors.
Sorrel is sometimes dried and used medicinal teas
How to Dry Herbs
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