Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Sorrel — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Rumex acetosa |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–14 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 10–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 55–65 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 20.3–30.5 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 20.3–30.5 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Sow seeds shallowly in spring and thin plants to about a foot apart in a permanent bed, since sorrel is a long-lived perennial. It is one of the first greens to emerge in spring, offering a bright, tart, lemony flavor to salads and soups. Harvest outer leaves regularly and remove flower stalks to keep the plant producing tender new growth. In hot weather the leaves can turn tougher and more sour, so pick young for the best flavor.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0