The key to growing a bumper crop of red veined sorrel is to plant it in the right spot. Look for a site with full sun to partial shade and soil rich in organic matter. As a hardy perennial, it requires little ongoing care but I like to water deeply every few weeks when the weather is hot and dry.
Where does sorrel grow best?
Sorrel thrives in a sunny or partially-shady spot, in fertile and moisture-retentive soil. It can be grown from seed, but as a perennial plant, you could also take a rooted cutting or a division from an existing plant. Sow sorrel seeds in spring, a few in small pots filled with seed compost, cover and water well.
Where is sorrel plant from?
Native to Europe and Asia, sorrel is a member of the Polygonaceae, or buckwheat, plant family, it has a dual identity as an herbaceous herb and a baby-leaf green for salads and cooking.
What season does sorrel grow?
Sorrel’s growing season runs from early spring into mid-summer. In USDA hardiness zones four and above, sorrel is among the many perennial herbs that can annually self-seed. 1. Choose a site: Sorrel plants prefer full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of daylight.
Can you eat red veined sorrel raw?
Treat sorrel as you would both a leafy green and an herb. It can be eaten raw or cooked. Again, red-vein sorrel has a milder flavor and is delicious eaten raw.
What zone does sorrel grow in?
Sorrel is an early spring perennial vegetable, hardy into USDA Zone 3. Its bright lemony flavored leaves are good in mixed salads, on sandwiches and in soups.
Is sorrel hard to grow?
This edible ornamental forms dense clumps of lime green leaves highlighted by deep red veins. Those leaves can be harvested to add a tart lemony flavor to salads, sandwiches, and soups or used make a tasty pesto. Sorrel is also easy to grow from seed in garden beds or containers for months of tender leaves.
Is red sorrel poisonous?
Red sorrel is considered safe for human consumption as a fresh herb or when boiled, but there is potential for poisoning of livestock. Species of Rumex owe their toxicity to soluble oxalates.
Is sorrel same as Hibiscus?
In the Caribbean, the popular terms are hibiscus or sorrel, as it is made from the hibiscus sabdariffa flower. The plant is native to India, but can grow as an annual in all climates. The fleshy, red calyxes that surround the base of the flowers are what we brew to make sorrel, the drink.
Is sorrel toxic?
The sorrel plant is toxic, and it is important to know the alternate names for the same plant. Alternate names for the sorrel plant include: Oxalis.
How cold can sorrel tolerate?
Frost tolerant
When established, this hardy perennial can tolerate winter temperatures to -20F (-29C).
Does sorrel grow wild?
Wood sorrel, or oxalis, is a medium-sized wild edible weed that thrives in most areas across Canada and the U.S. The flowers of this plant can be used to obtain yellow, orange, and red to brown dyes.
Does sorrel need full sun?
Plant sorrel in full sun. Sorrel grows best in well-worked, well-drained soil rich in organic material. Add aged compost to planting beds before planting. Sorrel prefers a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.8.
What is red veined sorrel good for?
Rich in antioxidants
Sorrel is a great source of antioxidants, which are beneficial compounds that protect your cells from damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals. Antioxidants may help prevent many chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes ( 6 ).
Can humans eat sorrel?
Sorrel is possibly unsafe when consumed in large amounts. Large amounts might increase the risk of developing kidney stones, or damage the liver or stomach. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Sorrel is possibly safe when consumed in foods.
What is red vein sorrel used for?
Sorrel works well as an accompaniment to fish, meat and egg dishes, and as an ingredient in soup and gratins. Leaves may also be added raw to dishes. Red-veined sorrel, Rumex sanguineus, has pointed, bright lime-green leaves with dark red veins. Leaves are best harvested when young and used raw in salads.
Is sorrel a herb or vegetable?
Sorrel is really an herb, and its spade-shape leaves, which closely resemble young spinach, are often sold in small bunches in the herb section of markets. In France, sorrel is a familiar sign of spring. Chefs use it to make pureed soups or tart sauces for rich fish like salmon.
Are sorrel leaves edible?
Yellow wood sorrel is also known as sour grass because its leaves have a mildly sour taste. In fact, every part o this flower, including the leaves, flowers, and seed pods, are edible. Sorrel is a common addition to salads, soups, and sauces and can be used to make tea.
Can sorrel grow in summer?
Sorrel will grow best in full sun, although some partial shade will keep them growing into summer.
Can I grow sorrel indoors?
Sorrel grows very easily indoors, as it tolerates partial shade. A south-facing window getting a few hours of direct sun is more than enough to grow sorrel.
What can you not plant with sorrel?
Many people choose to grow it as part of a vegetable or herb garden, as the plant does particularly well with thyme, sage and rosemary. Sorrel also does well with low-growing crops such as strawberries. Avoid planting sorrel with tall plants such as beans, peas, or corn.