Sorrel is a hardy perennial leaf crop with a sharp, lemony flavour that brightens soups, sauces and salads. Broad-leaved common sorrel gives generous leaves, while buckler-leaf sorrel is smaller and neat. Both are dependable cut-and-come-again crops for a productive kitchen garden.

When and how to sow

Sow in spring either directly into finely raked soil or in module trays for planting out later. Choose moist, fertile ground in sun or light shade, especially where summers are dry. Thin or space plants to 30 cm apart so clumps can develop. Established clumps can also be divided in spring. A small, permanent allotment bed is ideal.

Care

Keep the soil moist in dry weather to encourage tender new leaves, and mulch with compost each spring. Remove flower stems as soon as they appear, since flowering reduces leaf quality. Pick regularly from the outside of each clump. Divide congested plants every few years to restore vigour and prevent overcrowding.

Common problems

Sorrel is generally uncomplicated, but slugs and snails may leave holes in young leaves during damp spells. Aphids can cluster on fresh growth, and leaf spots may occur in crowded, wet beds. Pick off damaged foliage, water at soil level and leave enough room between plants for airflow. It can self-seed freely.

Harvest

Begin picking when plants have several usable leaves, taking the youngest outer leaves first and leaving the centre intact. Snip rather than tear stems for a tidy cut-and-come-again harvest. Frequent picking encourages fresh growth. Leaves are usually most tender before flowering, though plants often produce another flush after stems are removed.

Growing Sorrel: frequently asked questions

When should I sow sorrel in the UK?

Sow in spring either directly into finely raked soil or in module trays for planting out later.

What are common problems when growing sorrel?

Sorrel is generally uncomplicated, but slugs and snails may leave holes in young leaves during damp spells.

When is sorrel ready to harvest?

Begin picking when plants have several usable leaves, taking the youngest outer leaves first and leaving the centre intact.

General guidance for UK home gardens and allotments. Reference figures are typical values; your exact timing depends on your region, last-frost date and variety. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.