Rumex acetosella (Sheep Sorrel) is a herbaceous plant that is native to Europe, Western Asia and the British Isles. Sheep Sorrel is a traditional medicinal herb and a useful substitute for leafy vegetable recipes such as soups and salads. It is prolific, requires little maintenance and can tolerate cold temperatures and frost. Usually grown in containers due to its invasive nature.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Rumex acetosella is also referred to as Red Sorrel, Field Sorrel or Sour Weed.
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Growth
Rumex acetosella is a perennial herb that grows to a compact height of 50cm (20 inches). It spreads quickly via rhizomes and can become invasive. It is highly recommended to grow Sheep Sorrel in pots where their spread can be contained.
Young seedlings and adult plants alike enjoy cool climates and don’t require much watering. In warmer climates Sheep Sorrel prefers a semi-shade position especially if temperatures regularly exceed 30°C / 86°F. Seedlings should be protected from too much sun during development.
The arrow-shaped leaves have pointed lobes at their base and are usually harvested young to reduce bitterness. An extended flowering period occurs from Spring until Autumn and helps to determine the sex of the plant. Yellow flowers appear on males while the female plants produce red/maroon flowers.
When grown from seed, it usually takes around 90-110 days to begin harvesting the leaves from Sheep Sorrel plants.
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, Dry and Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 50cm (20 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 10cm (4 inches)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Self-pollinates.
MATURITY:
90-110 days
GERMINATION RATES:
70-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 5-25°C / 41-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 3000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT RUMEX ACETOSELLA (Sheep Sorrel)
Rumex acetosella is a dioecious plant where male and females grow separately.
Sheep Sorrel is considered a noxious weed due to its ability to spread quickly using its rhizomes underground. The plant thrives in similar conditions to Blueberries where the soil is acidic and can spread quicker in this environment.
Sheep Sorrel is used in the preparation of food including as a garnish, a flavouring agent, as salad greens. The leaves have a lemony, tangy or rhubarb-like tart flavour. It is also used for seasoning bread and makes an excellent sauce for cold meats.
Sheep Sorrel is also one of the four major ingredients in Essiac Tea which was used as an alternative herbal medicine for cancer in the 1920s. The three other components of Essiac Tea are Burdock Root, Slippery elm, and Indian rhubarb.
In traditional medicine, a poultice made with Sheep Sorrel is used as an antidote for scorpion bites. The leaves can apparently draw out scorpion poison and relieve inflammation. As an excellent anti-inflammatory property it can also be helpful for treating wounds, ulcers, boils and general swelling. A tea made from the leaves can also be used to treat of fevers and scurvy.
For homemade herbal remedies that are made from Sheep Sorrel click here.
