Actually, sorrels are mainly found in meadows. But you can also grow it in your own garden. It's easy.
Sorrel is a plant that was previously rarely found in German gardens. Not least because many see it as a weed. But lately, more and more hobby gardeners are discovering this spicy herb for themselves and growing it in their own gardens. No wonder, because the plant, also known as garden or meadow sorrel, is not only perennial, but also gives many salads and soups a spicy, slightly sour aroma with its leaves.
Sorrel is by no means a weed, but rather a tasty vegetable. In France and Belgium, for example, the creamy sorrel soup is a real hit. So don't just throw it in the compost in the future, rather grow it as a real vegetable. You will be amazed what great dishes can be conjured up from it.
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Sowing of the Sorrel
» Location:
You will find different varieties of sorrel in the trade that are suitable for growing in the garden. These differ not only in appearance, but also in taste. If you offer all these varieties the ideal location and optimal care, the sorrel will not only grow up to 100 cm tall, it will also get crisp, light green colored leaves and a great aroma.
To achieve this, you need to know that the sorrel prefers a deep and medium-heavy soil with a pH below 6. The location can either be in full sun or in partial shade, because the sorrel gets along well with both. In partial shade, however, the leaves of the plant remain tender longer.
» Sowing time:
It is best to start sowing the seeds at the end of March. Then you can harvest between June and September. But it is also possible to sow in August. Then you have to wait until next year to harvest.
Important: Only ever harvest the fresh leaves. You should leave the heart leaves so that new leaves can be attached.
»How to plant the sorrel:
An arrangement in rows is ideal for cultivation. It is best to choose a distance of 30 to 40 cm between the individual rows and spread around 50 grains per meter. Then press the grains about half a centimeter deep into the soil.
Depending on the weather, it will take between one and three weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings have set their first leaves, you can separate them within the rows.
Care for the sorrel
» Remove flowering shoots:
Basically, the sorrel is very easy to care for. However, it is advisable to regularly remove the flowering shoots so that leaf formation and growth are stimulated. They only cost the plants energy unnecessarily.
Make sure you always keep the soil nice and evenly moist. A supply of hummus is also recommended. However, additional fertilizer is usually not necessary because the sorrel is not a heavy feeder. However, if you want to get a particularly rich harvest, you must give the plant nitrogen once a month.
» Diseases and Pests:
The sorrel is not so susceptible to diseases and pests. Only the dock leaf beetle can occasionally cause problems for him. But that's rarely the case.