Large Leaf Sorrel Seeds

Large Leaf Sorrel seeds are a must in every gardeners’ seed collection! Large Leaf Sorrel seeds produce large tongue-shaped greens that are tangy, lemony, and so tasty! These brightly flavored greens are one of the first to grow in the spring in colder areas. In Zones 9 and 10 this plant can be a perennial. We toss this lemony herb in salads, dressings, on fish, and in soups. It’s particularly good in a seafood soup.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• This plant is a perennial grower in mild climates like those of Zones 9 and 10. Row cover and shade cloth can extend the growing season. Sorrel can be easily direct-seeded or transplanted out. 

Zones 2-8

• Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost or direct seed in early spring. 

Planting Large Leaf Sorrel

• Sorrel is easy to plant directly in the soil or into starter pots and transplanted out.
• If you are direct sowing seeds, plant in well-worked soil that has been deeply watered and is debris-free. Sorrel seeds are very small and need light for germination. Cover lightly with 1/4″ of finely sifted soil. Seeds must stay moist to germinate. 
• If you are planting seeds in starter pots, use thoroughly moist high-quality seed starting soil. Follow the same steps as above.
• Once your seeds have germinated, and the first set of true leaves show, fertilize with an organic liquid fertilizer. If you are planting during a warm spell or the warm season, crop protection like shade cloth may be necessary.

Growing Large Leaf Sorrel

• Grow in well-draining soil in a full-sun location.
• Adding compost before planting can help retain moisture in the soil.
• Sorrel plants spread and can be divided to manage the crop.

Harvesting Large Leaf Sorrel

• Harvest sorrel leaves as baby greens at 40 days or full size at 60 days. Snip with scissors and harvest often for the healthiest plants. Learn more about cooking with sorrel here.
• Sorrel can last for many seasons in a garden, so plan out where you want to plant it. 

Growing Large Leaf Sorrel in Containers

• Sorrel is a great container crop. Make sure your container is at least 10″ deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture. Mulch heavily on the top layer of soil in the pot to keep the soil from drying out or heating up too much.

Southern California Pro-tips

• Mulch heavily around your plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up.
• Protect your crop during heat spells with shade cloth or row cover.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Sorrel looks beautiful planted with gaillardia, nasturtium, borage, and alyssum. Love greens? Check out all our greens here! 

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for garden pests at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.