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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Sorrel
Planting Calendar
Get Personalized Planting Dates
Set your location to see specific planting dates and timing for your area.
Sow seeds
every 3 weeksSow small batches around , in shallow drills or modules. Keep the soil lightly moist and sow a fresh batch every 21 days for a longer picking season.
Thin seedlings
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.
Protect from slugs
Check plants from 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.
Water regularly
From , 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.
Harvest leaves
Start picking from once plants are well established, then keep cutting outer leaves through . Pick little and often, and leave the centre growing so the plant keeps producing.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Sorrel.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
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.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.