Large Leaf French Sorrel

Family: Polygonaceae Leafy Green

Tender, lemony-tart leaves unfurl with a lush, velvety softness—Large Leaf French Sorrel brings a bright, refreshing tang that feels alive in the garden.

Expect broad, generously sized foliage with a smooth, succulent texture at about 45 days, ideal for turning everyday greens into something vivid and distinctive. Grow it for its bold flavor and abundant harvest, perfect for fresh use and for stirring into sauces and savory blends where its lively character shines.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Large Leaf French 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)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Large Leaf French Sorrel is built for the kind of eating where you notice the tang instantlythe leaves go lush and tender fast, so dont overcook or it turns flat. It shines in buttery, dairy-forward preparations and in quick reductions that keep that lemony bite clean on the finish.

Best Uses

quick wilted sorrel sautwith butter
stirring into creamy sauces (reduce briefly so it doesnt taste metallic)
blended into springy vinaigrettes or herb salads where dressing lightly coats
folding into soft scrambled eggs or a fromage-frais-style topping

Flavor Profile

bright lemony tartness tender, velvety leaf softness refreshing acidity that stays snappy not harsh

Kitchen Pairings

butter heavy cream eggs champagne vinegar fresh herbs like chervil crme frache

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common pest or disease for Rumex acetosa (large leaf French sorrel), and how do I treat it?

Sorrel commonly develops leaf spots and can suffer from downy mildew in cool, humid weather. Remove and destroy affected leaves, improve airflow around plants, and avoid overhead watering so foliage stays dry. If problems persist, use an approved copper-based fungicide following the label, and keep beds free of plant debris.

How often should I water large leaf French sorrel during its main growing phase?

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy from leaf establishment through harvest (about weeks 2–6). Water when the top 1 inch of soil begins to dry, aiming for steady moisture that supports rapid leaf growth without waterlogging. In part-sun beds, this often means light watering every few days, increasing during warm, breezy spells.

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

Harvest when leaves are about 6–8 inches long and look tender (typically around 40–45 days from sowing). Pick outer leaves first with scissors, leaving the crown intact to keep producing. Stop harvesting or reduce picking if leaves become tougher and more sharply puckered, which usually signals maturity and slower tenderness.