Sorrel plant

$9.90
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Available again in July 2026. Sign up below to join the waiting list.

Rumex acetosa
Family: Polygonaceae
Common names: Sorrel, Garden Sorrel, Lemon Sorrel

Sorrel is a hardy perennial herb known for its fresh, lemony flavour and vibrant green leaves. It is supplied as a dormant root cutting during winter, with little or no foliage visible at the time of purchase. The plant will re-emerge in spring and grow into a lush, productive clump.

In the first season, harvest leaves lightly to allow the plant to establish well, and remove any flower stalks to encourage ongoing leaf production. After approximately one year, the plant can be lifted and divided to produce multiple new plants.

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Grown organically at KoruKai Herb Farm without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or other agrochemicals.

Sorrel is a hardy perennial leafy vegetable prized for its bright, lemony-sour flavour. Easy to grow and low maintenance, it produces abundant leaves for around 10–12 months of the year, depending on climate. At KoruKai, plants go dormant over winter, making this the ideal time to lift, divide, and share healthy root cuttings for replanting.

You will receive a dormant root clump during winter, typically with little or no visible foliage. Once planted, it will regrow vigorously in spring into a productive, leafy plant.




Above: Mid spring and the sorrel is underway at KoruKai Herb Farm.

Please note that we will send you a dormant plant with no or little leaves like in the image below.

 

Growing Instructions

Sorrel is not frost tender and is very easy to establish. Choose a sunny position and prepare the soil with compost before planting.

  • Plant the root clump just below the soil surface (bury up to the crown if small leaves are present)
  • Mulch well with straw around and lightly over the crown
  • Mark the planting spot and water thoroughly
  • Harvest lightly in spring to allow strong establishment.
  • Increase harvesting as the plant matures through summer
  • Pinch out flower stalks in spring/early summer to encourage leaf growth
  • Water deeply once a week during dry periods (deep watering is better than frequent light watering)
  • Maintain mulch to protect moisture and leaf quality

Sorrel is frost and drought hardy, but leaves may become tougher in dry conditions without adequate moisture. It grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade, and thrives in deep, compost-enriched soil while also coping with clay or sandy conditions. Once established, plants can be divided and spread further through the garden.

Excess leaves and seed stalks can also be used as fodder for chickens and cows.


Cooking Uses

Sorrel’s fresh, tangy flavour makes it a versatile kitchen herb and leafy green. It can be eaten raw in salads, added to soups, or cooked like spinach. It pairs especially well with eggs, butter, black pepper, and cream, and is often used in sauces for fish such as salmon. A little sorrel can really brighten a dish.


Caution

Sorrel contains oxalic acid, which contributes to its lemony flavour. It is safe when eaten in moderation, but should not be consumed in large quantities.

 

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
Write your review !
Catherine Lupton on  Oct 13, 2022

Dee-licious

Loving eating my tangy sorrel every day. Added to salads or just on its own - my new favourite green food.

M Carter on  Oct 12, 2022

Good to add to salads

We used to have sorrel in salads when I was growing up and I liked its distinctive taste. The root with arrived from Korukai in good order and the sorrel is thriving with the spring sun and rain.

Nicolette on  Oct 12, 2022

Little green gem

I received my little cuttings, wrapped carefully in damp newspaper but they did look sad and bewildered. I planted them carefully, straight away according to the instructions and how they've grown!<br /> I most definitely recommend Korukai for your plants. They are obviously raised with love and are strong, beautiful souls.

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