When to plant Sorrel in Stirling

Rumex acetosa

Sorrel
Sorrel · Rumex acetosa

A hardy leafy perennial grown for its sharp, lemony leaves. In the UK it does best in moist, fertile soil in sun or light shade, and regular picking keeps fresh growth coming through the season.

45 cm · Partial Shade · Moderate Water

Calibrated to Stirling · last frost ≈ 1 May

Sow outdoors March to May, harvest May to October. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow seeds

    20 Mar to 15 May Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Sow small batches around 20th March - 15th May, in shallow drills or into a large container. Keep the soil lightly moist and sow a fresh batch every 21 days for a longer picking season.

  2. 02

    Thin seedlings

    3 Apr to 5 Jun Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are big enough to handle, thin them to the strongest plants at apart. Do it as soon as they can be handled, then water the row well so the roots settle.

  3. 03

    Protect from slugs

    3 Apr to 14 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Check plants from 3rd April and keep the area clear of weeds and hiding places. Use barriers or pellets if needed, because young sorrel leaves can be nibbled hard in damp weather.

  4. 04

    Water regularly

    10 Apr to 17 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 10th April, water whenever the top of the soil starts to dry out. Keep the bed evenly moist, as dry checks make the leaves tougher and can push plants to bolt.

  5. 05

    Harvest leaves

    15 May to 31 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Start picking from 15th May once plants are well established, then keep cutting outer leaves through 31st October. Pick little and often, and leave the centre growing so the plant keeps producing.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Sorrel to consider

Large de Belleville

A classic broad-leaved sorrel with strong flavour and good leaf size for repeated picking.

Blonde de Lyon

A milder, pale-green sorrel that gives tender leaves and a steady crop in the garden.

Sorrel guides by town

See how Sorrel timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.