Blood Sorrel

Family: Polygonaceae Leafy Green

Tender leaves unfurl with a vivid, wine-blood blush over a cool sorrel tang—bright, pleasantly tart, and unmistakably lively from the first harvest.

Blood Sorrel forms a compact rosette of crisp, medium-succulent foliage with a gently puckered, velvety surface that holds its character through repeated picking. Ideal for fresh use in spring salads and vibrant sauces, and also a favorite for quick pickling where its red-tinged bite shines.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Rosette

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Blood Sorrel’s tartness is lively and almost vinous—best when you keep heat brief so the leaves don’t dull into cooked greens. It shines in emulsified dairy sauces and pickles where that red-tinged bite stays sharp rather than fading.

Best Uses

spring salads where it can stay crisp under vinaigrette
quick sorrel sauces (stir in off-heat, then thin and emulsify)
short-simmered soups or velouté-style purees
quick pickling for a red-accented tang

Flavor Profile

cool, winey tartness bright citrus-sorrel snap tender, lightly puckered leaves red-tinged bite that stays assertive after quick heat

Kitchen Pairings

butter cream or crème fraîche eggs fresh salmon or trout lemon zest dill

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage aphids or slugs on blood sorrel (45-day crop) without damaging the leaves?

Check plants 2–3 times per week; aphids cluster on new growth and can curl tender leaves, while slugs often leave ragged holes at night. For aphids, spray a strong jet of water, then repeat daily for a few days; if needed, spot-treat with insecticidal soap in the evening and avoid spraying during full sun. For slugs, set shallow beer traps near the bed edge and apply a copper barrier or diatomaceous earth around stems in the evening when they’re active.

How often should I water blood sorrel during the main growing phase to keep leaves tender?

Water to keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently evenly moist, not soggy—typically about 1 inch of water per week depending on rainfall and heat, split into 2–3 watering sessions in hot weather. If leaves look dull or growth slows, increase frequency; if soil stays wet or plants wilt in the heat despite moisture, let the surface dry slightly between waterings to prevent rot.

What are the best signs that blood sorrel is ready to harvest in about 45 days?

Start harvesting when plants reach roughly 6–10 inches tall and leaves are fully expanded but still tender, usually around day 40–45. Pick outer leaves first so the center can keep producing; if leaves are very small, stringy, or the plant bolts (sudden tall flower stalk), stop harvesting tender leaf growth and remove flower stems to encourage a final flush.