Sheep's Sorrel

Sheep's Sorrel — variety description

Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is a perennial vegetable of the knotweed family (Polygonaceae). A perennial herbaceous plant grown as the earliest leaf vegetable.

Fresh sorrel is a perennial plant that looks a little like common sorrel, but is smaller (up to 20 cm) and slimmer, and the lobes of its arrow-shaped leaves extend sideways rather than backwards.

It can be sown at any time of the year.

The leaves are rich in vitamins (C, B1, B2, PP, carotene), proteins, mineral salts of potassium, iron and phosphorus, and malic, citric and succinic acids.

Sorrel is a perennial leaf vegetable with a pleasantly sour taste — for soups, sauces and salads. Provides greens from early spring.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 88%
• Seeds per packet: 340–460 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: Germany
• Sowing: March – May; direct
• Harvest: April – October
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Sheep's Sorrel

Sheep's Sorrel seeds are sown in March – May. Harvest in April – October. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Sheep's Sorrel

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 1 cm
• Spacing: 20–25 cm
• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sun to partial shade

Sorrel is grown in one place for 3-4 years. The plants are not demanding as to soil, but when grown in poor and dry places the leaves become small and coarse. When unfavourable soil conditions are combined with high temperatures, the plants very quickly move into the generative phase. Under normal conditions they form a flower stalk in the second year. Sorrel is not demanding as to light and can be grown as an undercrop or in more shaded areas.

Sow in spring; remove flowering stems for more leaves.

Harvest and use

Cut the leaves repeatedly through the season.

Frequently asked questions

When should Sheep's Sorrel be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March – May. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 340–460 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 88%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.