Sorrel: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
Where and how to sow sorrel outdoors?
Sow sorrel outdoors from mid-spring to early summer, depending on your climate, when the soil is workable. Choose sun or partial shade and fertile soil that retains moisture without standing water. Weed and prepare a fine surface; add well-rotted compost if the soil is poor, without requiring deep digging.
Sow sparingly in drills about 1 cm deep, also following the seed packet. Rows about 30 cm apart make maintenance easier. Cover, firm gently and water with a fine spray. Keep the surface moist until seedlings emerge without soaking the soil.
Once seedlings are well developed, thin them to leave about 20 to 30 cm between plants, depending on species and growth. In dry weather, keep watering and mulch around established plants to limit drying and competing weeds without covering the centre of the clump. Check container sowings more often.
If you prefer to start indoors in spring, sow about 1 cm deep in modules or small pots with drainage holes filled with moist seed compost. Keep warm and bright, around 15 °C, without waterlogging the compost. Once seedlings have several leaves, move each into an individual pot and maintain good light. Gradually harden them off before planting outside in late spring or early summer, according to local conditions. Direct sowing remains an option; starting in pots is an alternative.
How do you harvest sorrel?
