How to Grow Sorrel in Australia
A cool-season leafy crop for the home garden
Growing Sorrel at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$3-5/week, perennial, nearly impossible to kill, produces year-round.
This guide covers when to plant Sorrel in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Sorrel is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Sorrel part sun to light shade. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 20cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 30 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 10 days, fastest when the soil is between 10 and 25 degrees.
Perennial in mild areas. Lemony tangy leaves, great raw or cooked. Cut back hard in summer to prevent bolting.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 4 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Slugs. The main diseases to watch are Leaf spot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Sorrel is typically ready to harvest in around 60 days (about 2 months). Fridge in a damp cloth, up to 4 days.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, sorrel is good added raw to salads for lemony tang, wilted into cream sauces for fish, blended into sorrel soup and used in French cooking with eggs and salmon. Nutritionally: contains oxalic acid for plant vitality and good source of vitamin C and minerals.
Companion Planting
Sorrel grows well alongside Strawberry and Lettuce. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Sorrel Growing
Add sorrel to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sorrel in Australia?
Sorrel is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Sorrel take to grow?
Sorrel is generally ready to harvest in around 60 days (about 2 months).
Can I grow Sorrel in a pot?
Yes. Sorrel grows well in a container of 20cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Sorrel need?
Give it part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Sorrel in the Plant Library
