Rumex acetosa (Sorrel) is a vegetable or herb plant that is native to Europe and Asia. Sorrel is commonly used as a leafy vegetable and adds a zesty lemon flavour when compared to Spinach. The plant is easy to grow, tolerant of cold temperatures and doesn’t require much watering or maintenance. It is also a commonly used herb in traditional medicine.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Rumex acetosa is also known as Garden Sorrel, Common Sorrel, Spinach Dock or Narrow-Leaved Dock. Across the world, plants from the Rumex genus are often referred to as Dock.
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Growth
Rumex acetosa is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height and width of 60cm (24 inches) by 30cm (12 inches). Sorrel plants should be grown in containers or garden beds as it can become invasive. Garden beds are preferable as the plants grow deep roots.
The leaves are arrow-shaped and grow from a rosette. Lower leaves are green can reach a length of 15cm (6 inches), while the upper leaves can often be crimson in colour. During Summer, whorled spikes of reddish-green flowers gradually become purple and are attractive to insects but are not necessary to pollinate. Throughout the flowering period, Sorrel stops growing leaves and then restarts after the seeding process has been completed.
The most common use for Sorrel is the leaves which are usually ready to harvest in 60-70 days.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Polygonaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 60cm (24 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 30 cm (12 inches)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Self-Pollinate.
MATURITY:
60-70 days
GERMINATION RATES:
75-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 15-22°C / 65-71°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 7 years.
FACTS ABOUT RUMEX ACETOSA (Sorrel)
Sorrel is a popular ingredient in Armenia where they dehydrate and then rehydrate the leaves to reduce the bitterness before including the vegetable with onions, potatoes, walnuts, garlic and lentils to make Aveluk soup.
In Afghanistan, the leaves are coated in a wet batter and deep fried if the plant is in season during Ramadan. In Greece, Sorrel is combined with spinach, leeks and chard to make spanakopita.
The French often combine Sorrel with fish as the acidity of the leaves can dissolve the smaller bones.
Rumex acetosa is also used as a medicinal herb and can be used for improving eyesight, skin infections, indigestion, increasing blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, building stronger bones and increasing appetite.
For more information about the medicinal benefits of Sorrel please click here.
