Belleville

Family: Polygonaceae Leafy Green

Tangy, bright sorrel flavor bursts with a crisp, tender snap—Belleville delivers a vivid, lemony bite that feels fresh from the garden.

The leaves form an upright rosette of medium-green foliage with a pleasantly juicy texture, ideal for stirring into quick sauces and brightening savory dishes. Grow Belleville for reliable, early harvests around 40 days, when the plants are at their most flavorful and tender.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 40 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 4th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Belleville sorrel hits with a sharp, citrus-bright snap that stays articulate even when lightly heated. It’s the kind of leaf you fold in at the last second—so it wilts fast, stays green, and doesn’t turn muddy.

Best Uses

stirring into quick pan sauces (shriveled down, still vivid)
folding into warm potatoes or eggs right before serving
blending into a classic sorrel sauce for roast meats
tossing raw or lightly wilted into salads with assertive vinaigrette

Flavor Profile

vivid lemony tang crisp-tender, juicy leaf snap bright herbal bite with a clean finish

Kitchen Pairings

butter cream eggs potatoes salmon goat cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem for Belleville plants, and how do I treat it?

Belleville is prone to powdery mildew in part-sun spots with poor airflow, especially after warm days and cool nights. Remove and discard affected leaves early, then spray with a label-safe sulfur or potassium bicarbonate product and thin foliage to improve airflow. Avoid overhead watering so the leaf surfaces stay drier.

How often should I water Belleville during the main growing phase?

From emergence through the 30–40 day growth period, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for light moisture in the top 1 inch each time you water. Water when the surface starts to dry, usually about every 2–3 days in warm weather (less often if soil stays cool or shaded). If leaves wilt in mid-afternoon, water deeply once rather than frequent light sprinkles.

How can I tell when Belleville is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 40 days when the edible parts are fully sized and have reached their typical color and firmness for Belleville. Use a gentle feel: if they still seem soft or undersized, give them a few more days and check again. If you wait until they’re overly firm/tight or start to look stressed, flavor and texture can decline—pick promptly after reaching maturity.