Red Veined Sorrel

Family: Polygonaceae Leafy Green

Tender young leaves unfurl with a vivid, red-veined drama—crisp, bright, and pleasantly tart, with a clean sorrel tang that livens every harvest.

Red Veined Sorrel forms a compact rosette of slender, arrow-leaning leaves whose veins read like fine crimson ink against cool green. Grow it for fresh salads and quick sautés, or for stirring into sauces and soups where its lively bite shines through.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 40 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Red Veined Sorrel

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
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)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Red Veined Sorrel tastes like a fresh, green hit of lemon—crisp when raw, then pleasantly soft with a tang that survives brief heat. Choose it when you want acidity that stays bright (not vinegary) and finishes a dish cleanly, especially with rich dairy or eggs that can round its edge without muting it.

Best Uses

quick sauté (just until wilted) to keep the tang from going dull
raw salad or shaved-leaf service with vinaigrette—no heavy cream needed
stir into warm butter or pan sauce off-heat for a sharp, silky gloss
use as the quick-acid lift in soups and spring purees where you want bite, not sweetness

Flavor Profile

bright, lemony tang crisp, tender leaf texture clean sorrel bite with a mild, grassy snap

Kitchen Pairings

butter cream or crème fraîche eggs chicken salmon shallot

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Rumex sanguineus (red veined sorrel), and how do I treat it?

Watch for leaf-chewing damage and slug/snail feeding, especially in humid weather; sorrel leaves are tender and get holes quickly. Hand-pick slugs at dusk or use a copper barrier around beds, and remove badly damaged leaves to reduce habitat. If you see irregular brown patches spreading between leaf veins, improve airflow (thin plants) and water at the soil line to limit leaf spotting.

How often should I water red veined sorrel during its main growing phase?

During active leaf growth (roughly after seedlings establish through day 40 maturity), keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for top few inches staying lightly damp. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, and increase frequency during dry spells so leaves don’t wilt. Avoid soaking the crown because Rumex sanguineus performs best with steady moisture at the roots rather than frequent puddling.

How can I tell when Rumex sanguineus is ready to harvest?

Harvest when leaves are fully developed, typically around 35–45 days after sowing, with young leaves about 3–6 inches long and good red veining. Pick outer leaves first to keep the plant producing, using scissors to avoid tearing the crown. Stop or lighten harvesting as plants begin sending up flower stalks, since leaves become more bitter.