Broad Leaf Sorrel

Family: Polygonaceae Leafy Green

Unfurl Broad Leaf Sorrel for a bright, lemony tang that lifts every spoonful with a clean, verdant snap.

The leaves are broad and tender, with a smooth, succulent texture that stays pleasantly crisp through early harvests, making it a standout for fresh salads and quick sautés, as well as silky sauces and tangy pickling blends. At about 45 days from sowing, this market-class sorrel brings fast, flavorful gratification to the home garden.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Broad Leaf Sorrel

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	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Broad Leaf Sorrel hits with a clean, lemony tang and keeps a crisp, succulent bite—use it fast, before it softens into dullness. It’s the kind of green that makes dairy feel brighter and turns butter, eggs, and fish into something with an awake-the-palate finish.

Best Uses

quick wilted sorrel with butter and black pepper
silky sorrel sauce to finish fish or eggs
raw sorrel salad under a light vinaigrette
tangy quick-pickling of sorrel leaves in brine

Flavor Profile

tart lemony bite fresh verdant snap tender, smooth leaf texture

Kitchen Pairings

butter lemon whole-grain mustard crème fraîche eggs salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my broad leaf sorrel develops aphids or leaf-curling?

Check the undersides of young broad-leaf sorrel for clusters of soft-bodied aphids, often causing twisted, curled growth. Spray plants with a strong jet of water, then follow with insecticidal soap (especially on leaf undersides) and repeat every 5–7 days until no aphids remain. If infestations are heavy, remove the worst stems to reduce breeding sites and keep weeds trimmed around the bed.

How often should I water broad leaf sorrel during the main growing phase?

During active leaf growth, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for lightly damp soil 1 inch down. Water about 2–3 times per week in part-sun, increasing to more often during warm, dry spells; reduce watering if leaves look limp and the soil stays wet. Mulch lightly to stabilize moisture, and avoid letting the soil swing between very dry and waterlogged, which can slow tender leaf production.

How can I tell when broad leaf sorrel is ready to harvest?

Harvest broad leaf sorrel when leaves are tender and full-sized, typically around 40–45 days from sowing. Pick outer leaves first; they should be bright green and flexible, not leathery or overly tall-stemmed. If plants start forming taller flowering shoots, harvest more frequently to maintain leaf tenderness before leaves become sour-bitter and tougher.