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.