HOW TO GROW SORREL?
Sorrel is a cool-season perennial that is often grown as an annual. Sorrel is often grown from root divisions. And Sorrel can be grown from seed sown in the garden 2 to 3 weeks before the spring’s average last frost date. The chestnut will be ready for harvest 60 days after planting.
Sorrel is grown for its acidic and slightly sour arrow-shaped leaves. There are five chestnut types to choose from: garden chestnut, French chestnut, patience grass or spring spinach, spinach rhubarb, and common or sheep chestnut. They are all good to eat.
– Garden sorrel ( Rumex ancestors ) grows about three feet tall and produces leaves that can be used fresh in salads.
– French sorrel ( R. scutatus ) grows 6 to 12 inches tall and has violin-shaped leaves used in salads.
– Herb Patience or spinach Dock ( R. Patientia ) grows to four feet tall with leaves that can be used both fresh and cooked.
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– Rhubarb spinach ( R. abyssinicus ) grows up to 8 feet tall; the leaves can be used like spinach and the stems as rhubarb.
– The common or sheep sorrel ( R. acetosella ) is a wild plant whose leaves can be eaten very small.
Performance. Plant 2 or 3 sorrel plants per family member. Sorrel is used as a green accent for salads.
Site
Plant sorrel in full sun. Sorrel grows best in well-worked, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Add aged compost to planting beds before planting. Sorrel prefers a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.8.
Planting time. Chestnuts are very hardy. Sow sorrel in the garden as early as 2-3 weeks before the spring’s average last frost date. In zones 5 and warmer, chestnut will grow as a perennial. Divide the plants to renew every 3-4 years.
Planting and spacing. Sow sorrel seeds ½ inches deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. Fine, successful seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart when plants are 6 to 8 weeks old. Space the rows 18 to 24 inches apart. Divide established chestnut in spring. Choose male plants – without flowers – for divisions to avoid overseeding.
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Water and food. The chestnut should be kept evenly moist. Add aged compost to planting beds before planting and again mid-season.
Associated plants. Strawberries but not tall plants like corn or beans.
Watch out. Sorrel is not picky and requires little extra care. Keep beds free of grass.
Container cultivation. Sorrel grows well in a 6-inch pot. In larger containers, plant sorrel on 8-inch centers.
Pests Aphids can attack sorrel. Control them by pinching infested areas or hosing the plants to kill aphids.
Diseases. Sorrel does not have serious disease problems.
Harvest. Pick fresh sorrel leaves when young and tender, only 4 to 5 inches tall. Harvest again throughout the growing season. The leaves can be harvested up to 60 days after sowing. Remove flowers before they mature to keep plants producing new leaves in the fall.
Varieties. See the list of chestnut types above.
Storage and conservation
Use fresh sorrel. Sorrel leaves keep in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks. Sorrel leaves can be frozen or dried and used as a herb; some flavor will be lost.