Sorrel is a cold-hardy perennial herb with tender, lemon-sour leaves. UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County describe it as growing 1 to 3 feet tall depending on variety and spreading continuously from about 6 inches wide, while Illinois Extension describes French sorrel (Rumex scutatus) as a mound-shaped rosette with shiny, lance-shaped leaves 6 to 12 inches long.
Sorrel at a glance
| Type | Herb |
|---|---|
| Season | Perennial |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Plant spacing | 12 in |
| Row spacing | 18 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | 1 in |
| Days to maturity | Not stated; pick young leaves as plants grow |
| How to start | Sow sorrel in early spring in full sun and well-drained soil, pick young tender leaves, remove seed stalks and use it in moderation because it contains oxalic acid |
| Water | 1 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant sorrel
Sow seed in early spring, or start it indoors about 3 weeks before the last frost and set transplants out after the last frost (UC Master Gardeners). Illinois Extension also recommends direct-sowing French sorrel in early spring. Find your dates with frost dates by zip code or the planting calendar.
How to plant sorrel
- Sowing depth: Illinois Extension gives about 1 inch for French sorrel. The UC source does not state a depth for other types.
- Site and soil: full sun, though it tolerates some shade; well-drained soil, rich and moist for French sorrel (Illinois).
- Spacing: not stated in the sources. The plant spreads continuously, so leave room. See the plant spacing calculator.
- Indoors: give 6 hours of bright sunny-window light, or 12 to 16 hours under cool white fluorescent or LED lights (UC).
Caring for sorrel
Sorrel is drought tolerant once established (UC). Water to keep leaves tender; see the garden watering calculator.
Remove seed stalks as they appear, since they reduce the yield of usable leaves, and divide plants every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor (Illinois). Divide roots in spring or fall (UC). Neither source lists pest or disease problems.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Herb and salad beds where regular picking keeps leaves tender |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Cooking in some metal pots, as its high acidity may discolor them (Illinois) |
Sources do not list companion plants. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Fewer usable leaves | Seed stalks appear and leaves become less abundant | Remove seed stalks as they appear, as they reduce the yield of usable leaves. |
| Declining vigor | Clumps look tired after several years | Divide plants every 3 to 4 years (Illinois), in spring or fall (UC). |
| Oxalic acid caution | Sorrel is sour and contains oxalic acid | Both sources note that people with certain health conditions should use it sparingly or may have a problem with it. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Pick young, tender leaves for uncooked dishes (UC). Early leaves are mild and gain flavor as the season progresses; pick as needed (Illinois). Leaves keep in the refrigerator up to two weeks or can be frozen. Use in salads, sauces, soups, cheese dishes, and pork and fish dishes.
Plan your sorrel
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant sorrels?
Space sorrels 12 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant sorrel seed?
About 1 inch deep for French sorrel (Illinois Extension).
How long do sorrels take to grow?
Not stated in the sources; pick young tender leaves as plants grow.
How much water do sorrels need?
About 1 inch of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Drought tolerant once established.
When do I sow sorrel?
In early spring, or indoors about 3 weeks before the last frost.
Is sorrel perennial?
Yes, both sources describe it as a perennial; divide every 3–4 years.
Is sorrel safe to eat?
It contains oxalic acid, so people with certain health conditions should use it sparingly.