How to Grow Sorrel: Planting, Spacing, Care & Harvest

Quick answer

Start indoors 3 weeks before last frost (UMN/UC). Direct sow 2–3 weeks before last frost (WSU). Transplant after last frost (UC). Oxalic acid — eat in moderation. Not roselle/Jamaican sorrel.

Sorrel at a glance

PlantStart indoors: 3 wk before last frost; Direct sow: 3–2 wk before last frost; Transplant: last frost
SunCool moist leafy culture; full sun to light shade.
SpacingUMN: space ≥1 foot.
Days to harvest~60 days (WSU)
-4-3-2-1LF+1+2+3
■ Start indoors   ■ Plant out   ■ Harvest
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
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Updated

Planting dates for your ZIP: the ZIP planting planner counts each window from your local frost dates.

Organic pests and diseases: see also organic pest control. Use any product as the label directs.

Oxalic acid: sorrel leaves contain oxalates — enjoy in moderation, especially if you limit high-oxalate foods (UMN cultural note).

Garden sorrel
Garden sorrel (Rumex acetosa). Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized).

Planting timing

UMN Extension: “Start sorrel seed indoors three weeks before the last frost, or direct seed in early spring.” Hardy into USDA Zone 3. (UMN sorrel) UC Master Gardeners Santa Clara: sow early spring or start indoors 3 weeks before last frost; transplant after the last frost. (UC Santa Clara sorrel) WSU: sow early spring 2–3 weeks before the last frost date; seed ½ inch deep. (WSU garden sorrel)

Depth and spacing

UMN: space ≥1 foot. WSU: sow 2 inches apart; thin when 1–2 inches high; space 12 inches. About 60 days (WSU).

Sun, soil and water

Cool moist leafy culture; full sun to light shade. Even moisture for tender leaves.

Care

Divide in spring if the clump spreads (UMN). Perennial — returns after frost kills tops.

Harvest

Harvest early spring until frost kills growth (UMN). Young leaves are milder.

Pests and diseases

Few serious problems; cultural moisture and spacing first.

Related: all grow guides · ZIP planner · organic pest control

Frequently asked questions

When do I start indoors?

Three weeks before last frost (UMN/UC).

Direct sow?

2–3 weeks before last frost (WSU).

Is it roselle?

No — different plant. Garden sorrel is Rumex.

More grow guides: All grow guides

Sources