Do you want to grow your own sorrel?
Sorrel is a perennial plant that thrives in moist, infertile soil. It can be grown from seed or by taking a cutting or division of an existing plant. Sow the seeds in spring and cover with compost before watering well.
You’ll love growing your own sorrel because it tastes great! The leaves are tart and tangy, perfect for adding to salads, soups, stews, and stir-fries. They also make delicious drinks – try making some iced tea with fresh mint leaves and lemon balm for a refreshing summer drink! And if you don’t have space outside, why not grow some indoors on a sunny windowsill? It will brighten up any room!
Sorrel (Rumex species)
When is the best time of the year to plant Sorrel
Most people plant sorrel in the spring. However, it is a perennial herb and will grow year-round if given enough sun and water. So, if you are in a warm climate, you can plant it any time of year. In cooler climates, sorrel is best planted in the early spring before the last frost.
Sorrel needs plenty of sun and water to grow well. It will tolerate some shade, but will produce more leaves and be less lemony if grown in full sun.
Where in the Garden Should You Plant Sorrel
Sorrel is a perennial herb, which can be found in gardens all around the world. Sorrel is a plant that’s prized for its sharp, almost tangy flavor. Planting sorrel in a garden can be a fulfilling experience. However, planting sorrel in the wrong location will lead to disappointment. In order to find out where to plant sorrel, you need to know what kind of soil it prefers and what nutrients it needs.
The most obvious place to plant sorrel is in an herb garden. If you have the space, plant the herb near your kitchen so you can enjoy fresh sorrel whenever you want to make a salad or soup. If you don’t have space for a separate herb garden, then try adding any form of the herb to your vegetable garden. It will still grow well and will provide you with another way to enjoy it. Even though sorrel may be considered invasive in some climates, it is not likely to become too invasive in your yard if planted near other plants or at the edges of your yard, away from any lawns. Sorrel does not thrive when planted too close to other plants because it has a tendency for vigorous growth. For this reason, it needs to be planted in an area that will accommodate its size.
Sorrel is the product of garden soil with a pH level of around 6.2-7.5, so if you have rich garden soil, your sorrel plant will likely thrive even more. Enjoy these plants while their flowers are still blooming in the early summer, and be sure to harvest the leaves regularly so they don’t take over your garden.
How Often Should I Watering Sorrel
Sorrel, a perennial herb, is drought tolerant but will benefit from irrigation during extended dry spells. Aim to water deeply once or twice a week in the absence of rainfall. Sorrel grows well in moist, rich soils but can also tolerate drier conditions as long as it’s watered regularly.
In general, sorrel requires moist soils to grow its best. Unless you are growing it in a container, sorrel will probably need regular watering every one or two weeks during summer if rainfall is lacking. While sorrel can require weekly watering during the cooler spring and fall months in certain climates, too much water during this time of year may rot young plants and seedlings.
If you are growing sorrel in a container, be sure to water more often, as containers can dry out quickly. Check the soil moisture daily and water when the top inch feels dry to the touch.
When and How to Harvest Sorrel
The best time to harvest sorrel is when the flower starts to bloom. The leaves are quite tart when picked before the flowers bloom. Be careful not to pick too many flowers, because it can affect plant growth. After the flowers are gone, harvest all that you need. Don’t wait too long to harvest after the flowers are gone because sorrel is quite bitter when it has gone to seed.
To harvest, hold the stem between your thumb and index finger and twist it to snap it off. If you are harvesting a lot of sorrels, use a knife to cut the stems. Be sure to leave some leaves on the plant so it can continue to grow.
Different Ways to Store Sorrel
The easiest way to store sorrel is in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. It can also be placed in a container with a moist cloth cover at the top. Alternatively, it can be frozen or put into an ice-cube tray and frozen. Once frozen, it can be stored in a plastic bag. Another way to store sorrel is by drying it. It can either be dried whole or chopped. Dried sorrel can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Finally, sorrel can also be canned. It should be blanched and then canned in a hot water bath for about 15 minutes. Once it has cooled, it can be stored in a cool, dry place until ready to be used.
Other things of interest about Sorrel
- Sorrel was once a European herbal remedy for scurvy
- The word “sorrel” is derived from the French, meaning “sour herb”
- Sorrel is often used as a salad leaf and in soups or stews
- Sorrel is often used to flavor alcohol
- Sorrel is also known as sour weed, red sorrel, garden sorrel, and oseille
- The leaves are edible raw or cooked. They have a lemony flavor that tastes great in salads.
- The green leaves have a tangy, acidulous flavor. Cooked, they make a tasty addition to soups and stews.
- Sorrel can also help prevent cancer because of the presence of glucosinolates
- Glucosinolates are also responsible for the bitter taste of certain vegetables like brussel sprouts and kale
- Humans can typically differentiate between 5 different taste types: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami (savory)
- Garden sorrel has a history of cultivation stretching back at least 100 years. It is often used in salads and soups
Conclusion: Sorrel is an easy-to-grow perennial that thrives in moist, infertile soil. You can grow it from seed or by taking a cutting or division of an existing plant. Sow the seeds in spring and cover with compost before watering well. Enjoy your homegrown sorrel!