Common Sorrel Seeds

Rumex acetosa

John Evelyn, a 17th century gardener and author, wrote that sorrel imparts "so grateful a quickness to the salad that it should never be left out". Popular in France and England for centuries, this wonderful green is underused in the U.S., and unjustifiably so; its spring leaves can be used as salad greens, as a complement to fish, or mixed in with spinach or chard. Very high in vitamin C. Sorrel stays green even after frost, so you will have many months of harvests!

$2.69 ~0.5g (~410 seeds)
4.1
Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars
13

Why Not Add?

Features

Family

Family

Polygonaceae

Native

Native

Morocco, Europe, Asia, and Australia

Life Cycle

Life Cycle

Perennial

Plant Height

Plant Height

Medium (12" - 24")

Further Information

Plant Characteristics

Plant Characteristics

Good for Containers

Growing Conditions

Growing Conditions

Frost Tolerant

About Common Sorrel Seeds

Rumex acetosa

Green, crinkled, arrow-shaped leaves with lemony spinach flavor

Planting Sorrel

Days to Maturity

Days to Maturity

60 days

Plant Spacing

Plant Spacing

A group of 3 seeds every 8"

Hardiness Zones

Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Light Required

Light Required

Full sun

Plant Height

Plant Height

Medium (12" - 24")

Planting Depth

Planting Depth

⅛"

Coverage & Planting Details

Coverage This packet sows up to 90 feet.
Row Spacing 24"
Seed Depth ⅛"
Seed Spacing A group of 3 seeds every 8"
Thinning When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 8"
Germination 5–10 days
Start Indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 68°–86°F.
Direct Sow 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.
Growing & 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.

Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone

4.1
Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars
Based on 13 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 9 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 2
Slide 1 selected
Rating
Ratings
Which best describes you as a gardener?
Which best describes you as a gardener?
13 reviews
  • Rusa
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5/30/26
    WOW! I can't believe these grew after so many years

    My family is from Ukraine and we have this growing everywhere back home, but every time we tried to grow sorrel here, it struggled very badly. I did some research and I found sorrel needs very high acidity, so I really recommend adding an acidifier to the soil. I used Soil Sulfur and it seems to love it. This is still a small batch but wow. After only 2 months, I'm so proud it made it this big. We have been enjoying the leaves for Green Borchst. :)

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    BI Profile picture for Botanical Interests
    Botanical Interests
    6/3/26

    Hey Rusa,

    What an amazing sorrel success story! We love hearing about your family connection to growing Common Sorrel back in Ukraine and how you persevered here until you found the perfect solution. Your research into soil acidity and using Soil Sulfur is such valuable knowledge for other growers! The fact that you're already enjoying fresh leaves for Green Borscht after just 2 months is incredible. Thanks for sharing your Common Sorrel growing success with us! Keep on growing 🌻️

  • Patricia
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3/25/26
    5 Stars

    Great

  • Bridget M.
    AL, United States
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2/25/26
    Tart & Citrus Taste

    I am expanding my herb gardens, and sorrel was a good choice. Excellent germination rates - I got 100%. Nice lemony taste - it goes great in soups and salads

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    Who do you grow for? Families
    How do you prefer to grow? Raised Bed
  • Phyllis S.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 2 out of 5 stars
    6/29/24
    2 Stars

    The seeds barely germinated. Tried in the garden and inside in a pot. They were alive for only a short time, even though everything else ins my garden is doing well. I was a Wisconsin Master Gardener (training through UW Wisconsin)

    and have lots of experience.

    I am very disappointed as I grew up with Sorell in the garden and love it for soup making.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    BI Profile picture for Botanical Interests
    Botanical Interests
    7/3/24

    Hey Phyllis,

    I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance and address any concerns you may have. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️

  • Laura M.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 1 out of 5 stars
    4/12/24
    1 Star

    None of the seeds sprouted

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate

Recently Viewed Products

Decorative strip