Sorrel makes a nice change from spinach and works well fresh or sautéed. You can grow it from seed, division, or root cuttings. No matter how you start your plants, growing sorrel in pots is ideal. Container grown sorrel may even perform better than in-ground plants because you can move the cool season perennial away from hot sites during the day.
Tips on Potted Sorrel Plants
Select a well-draining container that is at least 12 inches (31 cm.) across. Use a potting medium that drains freely and is rich in organic matter, such as well rotted compost. If planting by seed, it can be started inside or out. Sow outside as soon as all danger of frost is past and indoors three weeks before the last date of frost. Space container grown sorrel seed 3 inches (8 cm.) apart in ½ inch (1 cm.) depth soil. Keep the young potted sorrel plants moist but not soggy. As soon as they have two sets of true leaves, thin them to 12 inches (31 cm.) apart. You can use the thinnings in a salad or transplant them elsewhere.
Caring for Sorrel in a Container
Growing sorrel in pots is a great first-time gardening project because it is so easy. Give the plants 1 inch (2.5 cm.) of water weekly. If the soil has plenty of organic matter in it, there is no need to fertilize, but mulching over the top of the root zone will help prevent weeds and keep moisture in the soil. For plants that overwinter, apply a top dressing of compost or well-rotted manure in spring. You can start harvesting sorrel in 30 to 40 days. This is the baby stage. Or you can wait for mature plants in two months. Cut the leaves to the stalks and the plant will re-sprout new foliage. Cut off any flowering stalks as they appear. Sorrel is not bothered by many pests, but aphids may become a concern. Blast them off with water any time populations get large. This will keep your sorrel organic and healthy without any pesticide residue.
