Botanical Name: Rumex acetosa
Days to Maturity: 60 days
Family: Polygonaceae
Native: Morocco, Europe, Asia, and Australia
Hardiness: Hardy perennial in USDA zones 3–7
Plant Dimensions: 18"–24" tall and wide
Variety Information: Green, crinkled, arrow-shaped leaves with lemony spinach flavor
Attributes: Good for Containers
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 50°F, or sow in late fall for early spring germination.
When to Start Inside: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 68°–86°F.
Days to Emerge: 5–10 days
Seed Depth: ⅛"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 8"
Row Spacing: 24"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 8"
Harvesting: Pinch or cut off the young, outer leaves. Pick regularly to encourage new, tender growth, even if you don't need the leaves; sorrel can be frozen for later use. A few of the interior, small leaves can be harvested occasionally without harm to the plant.
