Sorrel

Basic Information

Seed Number

216

Seed Name

Sorrel

Variety

Large Leaf

Category

Herb

Plant Family

Polygonaceae

Plant Type

Garden sorrel (Rumex acetosa)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 15

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 15

Plantable Months

March, April, May, June

Indoor Start

Mar 10 – Mar 24

Direct Sow

Apr 1 – Jun 15

Transplant

May 1 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

8 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

Not recorded

Germination Days

7–21 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

Not recorded

Planting Depth

1/4 in

Plant Spacing

8-12 in

Row Spacing

18-24 in

Thin-To Spacing

8-12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs

Keep evenly moist for tender leaf production

Soil Preference

Fertile, well-drained soil

Minimum Container Size

8–12+ in deep

Plant Height

Not recorded

Perennial/Biennial Status

Perennial

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

No

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

No

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

True Leaf Market; San Diego Seed Company; University of Minnesota Extension

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow in cool weather or start indoors a few weeks before transplanting
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Mar 20 – Aug 15
Germination Time: About 7–21 days
Days to Harvest / Bloom: About 40 days for baby leaves; roughly 60 days for fuller harvest
Container Friendly: Yes, 8–12+ in deep
Pollinator Friendly: Yes when flowering; small flowers attract insects
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary herb; tart leaves are traditionally used in soups/sauces
Perennial?: Yes; perennial
Succession / Reusable Notes: Harvest outer leaves repeatedly. Divide established clumps in spring every few years.
Zone 6B Notes: Well suited to Zone 6B; leaves are best in cool weather and plants return each spring.
Companion Plants: Chives, parsley, lettuce and other cool-season herbs/greens
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Can form a long-lived clump and self-seed if flower stalks are left. Leaves contain oxalic acid, so use as a culinary herb rather than in excessive amounts.
Sources: True Leaf Market: https://trueleafmarket.com/pages/sorrel-herb-growing-guide | San Diego Seed Company: https://sandiegoseedcompany.com/product/herbs/large-leaf-sorrel-seeds/ | University of Minnesota Extension: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden/growing-sorrel

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Large Leaf sorrel is a hardy perennial green that emerges early in spring and can continue producing for years in Zone 6B.
Germination: Direct sow in spring or start indoors for transplanting.
Harvest: Harvest young leaves for the best tender texture and lemony flavor. Older leaves become stronger and tougher.
Seed Saving: Allow flower stalks to mature and dry before collecting seed.
Special Care: Leaves contain oxalic acid, as do spinach and several other greens, so very large quantities should not be eaten routinely.
Research Source: San Diego Seed Company — https://sandiegoseedcompany.com/product/herbs/large-leaf-sorrel-seeds/ — Large Leaf Sorrel identity, perennial behavior, lemony flavor and culinary uses
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]