The sorrel herb is a tangy, lemony flavored plant. The youngest leaves have a slightly more acidic taste, but you can use mature leaves steamed or sautéed like spinach. Sorrel is also called sour dock and is a perennial herb that grows wild in many parts of the world. The herb is widely used in French cuisine, but is not as well known in the United States. Learn how to grow sorrel and add a citrus touch to your culinary herb garden.
Sorrel Plant
There are many varieties of sorrel plant, but the most common used in cooking is French sorrel (Rumex scutatus). Sheep's sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is native to North America and is not palatable to humans, but produces nutritious fodder for animals. Leaf sorrel is cultivated as a garden herb and grows 2 feet (61 cm.) high with upright stems. The leaves are smooth to crinkled and are from 3 to 6 inches (8-15 cm.) long. When sorrel herb bolts, it produces an attractive whorled purple flower.
Planting Sorrel
Sow seeds for sorrel plant in spring when the soil has warmed up. Prepare a well drained bed with well tilled soil. Seeds should be 6 inches (15 cm.) apart and just under the surface of the soil. Keep the bed moderately moist until germination and then thin the plants when they reach 2 inches (5 cm.) high. Sorrel will not need a lot of supplemental care, but the bed does need to be kept weeded and the plants should receive at least 1 inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week.
How to Grow Sorrel
Garden sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and French sorrel are the two cultivated varieties of the herb. Garden sorrel needs damp soils and temperate conditions. French sorrel performs best when it is grown in dry, open areas with inhospitable soils. The plants have very deep and persistent tap roots and grow well with little attention. Planting sorrel from seed or dividing the roots are the two most common ways to propagate the herb. Sorrel will usually bolt when temperatures begin to soar, usually in June or July. When this happens, you can allow the flower to bloom and enjoy it, but this slows the production of leaves. If you want to encourage larger and more leaf production, cut the flower stalk off and the plant will give you a few more harvests. You can even cut the plant to the ground and it will produce a full new crop of foliage.
Harvesting Sorrel Herb
Sorrel can be used from late spring until fall, with management. Harvest only what you need from the plant. It is much like lettuce and greens, where you can cut the outer leaves and the plant will continue to produce foliage. You can begin to harvest when the plants are 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) tall. The smallest leaves are best in salads and add an acidic tang. The larger leaves are more mellow. The herb is a traditional accompaniment to eggs and melts into creamy soups and sauces.
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday DisplayWhether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
-
Forage For Herbs: 7 Tasty And Safe Wild Herbs To Pick Close To Your Own BackyardIn addition to growing your own herbal staples, did you know there are several wild options out there that are safe and tasty – and free? Try foraging these 7 wild herbs
-
Sorrel Plant Uses – Tips On Using Sorrel Herbs In CookingSorrel is an herb commonly used throughout the world. There are a number of uses in the kitchen for sorrel herb plants. It can be eaten fresh or cooked and has a bright, lemony tang. To learn more about cooking with sorrel, click the following article.
-
Caring For French Sorrel Herbs: How To Grow French Sorrel PlantsWhat is French sorrel? Having a long history of use, this perennial herb can be used fresh or for cooking, lending citrus-like flavor to many dishes. If you think the French sorrel herb plant could be what you need to complete your kitchen garden, click here for more information.
-
Bloody Dock Care: How To Grow Red Veined Sorrel PlantsHave you ever heard of the plant with the name bloody dock (also known as red veined sorrel)? What is red veined sorrel? If you’re interested in learning more or even growing red veined sorrel in your garden bed, click on the following article.
-
Bugs That Eat Sorrel: Learn About Sorrel Plant PestsSorrel is an interesting herb that can be considered a vegetable or leafy green. One issue you may face growing sorrel is that of pests. If you would like to know about the typical pests of sorrel and how to manage them, click the following article.
-
Different Types Of Sorrel – Learn About Common Sorrel VarietiesSorrel is a perennial herb. It can be grown for its woodland blossoms or specifically for use in recipes. If you want to add something new to your garden, click on the following article for sorrel variety information and growing tips.
-
Using Sorrel Herbs – How To Prepare Sorrel PlantsSorrel is a lesser used herb that at one time was a tremendously popular cooking ingredient. It is once again finding its place amongst foodies, and with good reason. Interested in cooking with sorrel? Click here to learn how to prepare sorrel herb plants.
-
Sorrel In A Container – How To Care For Potted Sorrel PlantsYummy sorrel is an easy leafy green to grow. It is so easy you can even grow sorrel in a container. The lemony, tart leaves will be easy to access in a pot just outside the door, providing variety in the salad bowl and plenty of nutrients. Click here to learn more.
-
Separating Sorrel Plants: Learn About Dividing Garden SorrelDo you need to split sorrel? Large clumps can weaken and become less attractive in time, but dividing garden sorrel every so often in spring or early summer can revive and rejuvenate a tired plant. Learn more about sorrel plant division in this article.
