How to Grow Sorrel
Get Your Exact Sorrel Planting Dates
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Your Sorrel dates ·
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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need
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🌿 Plant Overview
☀️ Growing Requirements
☀️
Sun
Partial to Full Sun (4-6 hours)
💧
Water
Moderate (1 inch/week)
↔️
Spacing
12" apart
🌱
Depth
0.5" deep
📏
Height
12-24"
🌱
Germination
7-14 days
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🤝 Good Companions
⚠️ Avoid Planting Near
Full Companion Planting Guide for Sorrel
See which plants help Sorrel thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →
🌾 Seed Saving Guide
🟢 EasyWhen to Harvest Seed
Allow seed stalks to dry completely on the plant. Harvest before seeds drop.
Processing
Strip dried seed stalks, separate seeds from dried flower material, dry 1 week.
Seed Viability
Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Sorrel self-sows freely once established — you may not need to actively save seed at all.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Sorrel. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Sorrel Planting Calendar by Zone
Sorrel Planting Calendar by State
Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sorrel? +
Sow Sorrel seeds directly in the garden 4 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.
How long does Sorrel take to grow? +
Sorrel typically matures in about 60 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Sorrel indoors or direct sow? +
Sorrel does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.
How much sun does Sorrel need? +
Sorrel requires partial to full sun (4-6 hours) to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Sorrel? +
Space Sorrel plants 12 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Sorrel need? +
Sorrel has moderate (1 inch/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Sorrel? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Sorrel is rated easy. Allow seed stalks to dry completely on the plant. Harvest before seeds drop. Strip dried seed stalks, separate seeds from dried flower material, dry 1 week.
How long do Sorrel seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Sorrel seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Sorrel seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Sorrel is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Sorrel
Perennial leafy green with a bright, lemony-sour flavor. Emerges early in spring. Used in soups, salads, and sauces. Very low maintenance once established.
Expect your Sorrel to be ready for harvest in approximately 60 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.