How to Grow Broad-leaved Sorrel
Wikimedia Commons
Broad-leaved Sorrel
Rumex acetosa
herbBroad-leaved sorrel is a perennial herb with large, arrow-shaped leaves that have a distinctive tart, lemony flavor. It's a cool-season green that thrives in temperate climates and can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season. The plant produces distinctive reddish flower spikes and self-seeds readily.
When should you plant Broad-leaved Sorrel in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Broad-leaved Sorrel timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Broad-leaved Sorrel
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Broad-leaved Sorrel
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Broad-leaved Sorrel dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; prefers cool seasons and struggles in hot, humid summers
Sign up free to see if Broad-leaved Sorrel grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Broad-leaved Sorrel timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall oval cotyledons emerge, followed by the first true leaves with characteristic arrow-shape beginning to form.
Keep soil moist and provide bright light. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart. Protect from slugs and snails.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksLarge arrow-shaped leaves develop in rosette formation. Leaves are bright green, succulent, and increasingly tart in flavor.
Pinch off flower spikes to encourage leaf production. Water consistently. Apply mulch to retain moisture. Begin harvesting outer leaves.
Flowering
4-6 weeksTall flower spikes (2-3 feet) emerge from the center with small reddish-brown flowers arranged densely along the stem.
Remove flower spikes if you want to extend leaf production and improve flavor. Allow some to flower for seed production if desired. Flowering diverts energy from leaf growth.
Seed Production
4-6 weeksFlowers are pollinated and develop into winged seed structures (samaras) that eventually dry and drop.
Allow select plants to go to seed for natural reseeding or seed collection. Seeds will self-sow readily if not deadheaded.
Dormancy/Winter
3-4 months (varies by zone)In cold climates, foliage dies back in winter; the plant survives via its deep rootstock and will regrow in spring.
In warm zones (7-8), sorrel may produce year-round or have minimal dormancy. Cut back dead foliage in spring. Divide established clumps every 3-4 years.
Common Pests
-
and
Hand-pick, use copper tape barriers, apply organic slug bait, encourage ground beetles and toads
-
Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, encourage natural predators like ladybugs
-
Hand-pick, use row covers on young plants, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
-
Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves, apply sulfur dust in severe cases
-
Ensure good drainage and air circulation, avoid wet foliage, apply copper fungicide if severe
Uses
Tart Culinary Herb
CulinarySorrel's lemony, tangy flavor makes it ideal for soups (sorrel soup is a classic), sauces, salads, and fish dishes. The leaves add bright acidity to spring meals and can be cooked like spinach or eaten raw when young and tender. [source]
Sauce and Condiment Base
CulinarySorrel is traditionally used to make vibrant green sauces and condiments. It pairs exceptionally well with fish, eggs, and rich poultry dishes, adding a fresh, acidic balance. [source]
Traditional Digestive Aid
MedicinalHistorically used in herbal medicine to stimulate appetite and improve digestion. The plant contains compounds that may support digestive function, though modern scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Natural Cleaning Agent
HouseholdThe oxalic acid in sorrel makes it useful for cleaning and removing stains from fabric and cookware. Fresh sorrel leaves can be rubbed on stains or made into a paste. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe flowering spikes attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Allowing some plants to flower provides valuable early-season nectar for pollinators. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants are 4-6 inches tall, typically 4-6 weeks after planting. Pinch off flower spikes to promote more leaf growth. Harvest regularly to encourage bushier growth and tender new leaves. Leaves are most tender and flavorful in cool weather; heat causes them to become tough and more acidic. In perennial plantings, you can harvest continuously throughout the season but leave at least one-third of the foliage on the plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Sorrel was a favorite green of Henry VIII and was cultivated extensively in medieval European gardens as both a culinary and medicinal herb.
- 🌱 The plant's tart flavor comes from oxalic acid, the same compound found in spinach and rhubarb. While nutritious in moderation, people with kidney problems should limit intake due to oxalate content.
- 🌱 Broad-leaved sorrel produces thousands of seeds that can remain viable in the soil for years, making it a prolific self-seeder—some gardeners consider it potentially invasive in ideal conditions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Broad-leaved Sorrel planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Broad-leaved Sorrel seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Broad-leaved Sorrel timeline →