Sorrel Herb Seeds - French - Rumex acetosa

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 3-11 - Grows as a perennial in Zones 3-9 and as a cool-season annual in warmer zones. Sorrel is a very cold-hardy plant that can withstand freezing temperatures.

Best performance in Zones 3-9, where it can be grown as a perennial.

Northern Zones (3-5) - Plant seeds outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, about 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date. It can also be planted in late fall for a very early spring crop.

Hot Climate Zones (9-11) - Best grown in late fall, winter, and early spring. The intense summer heat will cause the plant to bolt (go to seed) and the leaves to become bitter.

Soil Temperature - Requires a cool soil for germination, with an optimal temperature range of 50-70F.

Growing Season - As a perennial, it will establish a strong root system in the first year. Greens can be harvested in as little as 60 days from seed.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil is workable. You can also start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date to get a jump start on the season. For a fall crop, sow seeds in late summer, about 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost.

Location and Soil:
Choose a location that receives full sun in cooler climates and partial shade in warmer climates to prevent bolting. Sorrel prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil with a good amount of organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal.

Sowing Seeds:

Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil and mixing in compost.

Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 3-6 inches apart.

Lightly cover the seeds with soil and gently water to moisten the seedbed.

Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which typically takes 7-14 days.

Care and Maintenance:

Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Sorrel does not like to dry out completely.

Fertilizing: Amend the soil with compost before planting. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied in the spring and again in mid-summer.

Harvesting: Harvest the outer leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavor. Leave the inner leaves to continue growing. Regularly harvesting will encourage new growth and prevent the plant from bolting.

Bolting: When the plant sends up a flower stalk (bolts), the leaves will become bitter. Cut the flower stalk back to the base to encourage new leafy growth.

Overwintering: In perennial zones, the plant will die back in the winter and regrow in the spring. A layer of mulch can help protect the roots.

Division: Divide plants every 3-4 years in the spring to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor.