Sorrel is a leafy herb with a tangy, lemon-like bite, used in soups and sauces since medieval Europe. It grows well in cool seasons and was once one of the first greens to appear in spring. Australian gardeners value it for its sharp flavour, quick growth, and perennial nature in temperate zones.
Sowing Calendar
Best Months to Plant – Sorrel
Climate Zone
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Cool/Mountain
✓
✓
✓
Temperate
✓
✓
✓
✓
Arid
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Subtropical
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Tropical
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Cool/Mountain – Sorrel
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
✓
✓
✓
Plant out transplants
✓
✓
✓
Direct sow
✓
✓
✓
Temperate – Sorrel
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
✓
✓
✓
✓
Plant out transplants
✓
✓
✓
✓
Direct sow
✓
✓
✓
✓
Arid – Sorrel
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Plant out transplants
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Direct sow
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Subtropical – Sorrel
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Plant out transplants
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Direct sow
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Tropical – Sorrel
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Plant out transplants
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Direct sow
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Where to Plant
Containers & Pots
Containers & Pots
• Portable planting vessels suited for patios, balconies, and small areas
• Provide complete control over soil composition and drainage
• Great for herbs, greens, compact vegetables, or ornamental plants
• Allow plants to be moved to follow sun, shade, or seasonal conditions
Shady Spots & Herb Gardens
Shady Spots & Herb Gardens
• Areas receiving dappled or indirect sunlight, often near trees or buildings
• Best for shade-tolerant herbs like mint, parsley, or greens like spinach
• Helps prevent sun stress and conserves moisture
• Often used in cooler corners of the garden
In-Ground Garden Beds
In-Ground Garden Beds
• Traditional garden beds dug directly into the soil
• Suitable for deep-rooted crops and long-term plantings
• Offers natural soil ecology and drainage benefits
• Requires proper soil preparation and weed management
Pre-treatment
None Identified
There are no pre treatments required for germination.
Sowing Method
Start in Trays
• Fill seed trays or punnets with quality seed-raising mix
• Sow seeds at the correct depth—refer to seed packet for guidance
• Place trays in a warm, sheltered location with good light
• Mist or bottom-water to avoid disturbing small seeds
• Transplant seedlings once they develop 2–4 true leaves
Direct Sow
• Sow seeds directly into prepared garden soil or outdoor containers
• Best for plants that dislike transplanting, such as root vegetables and beans
• Loosen soil and remove weeds before sowing
• Sow at the recommended depth and spacing, then water gently
• Keep the area moist until germination and thin seedlings if needed
Watering
Low
• Suitable for drought-tolerant or Mediterranean-style plants
• Needs watering only during extended dry periods or heatwaves
• Prefers deep but infrequent watering to encourage strong root growth
• Ideal for well-drained soils and low-maintenance garden beds
• Mulching helps retain moisture and reduce watering even further
Fertilisation
Frost
Frost Tolerant
These plants can tolerate light to moderate frosts and may survive through cooler seasons.
Maintenance and Harvesting
Sorrel appreciates moist soil and part shade. Pick young leaves frequently and remove flower stalks to promote leafy growth. Divide clumps every few years.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves. They suck sap from plants, causing leaves to curl, yellow or become distorted. As they feed, they excrete sticky honeydew that encourages sooty mould, and colonies can build quickly in warm weather.
Start with organic controls: blast colonies off with a firm jet of water, encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds and lacewings, and spray neem oil or insecticidal soap to disrupt feeding. Keep plants well watered and avoid excess nitrogen that promotes soft growth. If pressure remains high, selective chemical sprays can be used sparingly, taking care to protect pollinators and beneficials.
Leaf spot
Leaf spot describes several fungal or bacterial diseases that create dark, often round lesions on foliage—sometimes with yellow halos. Severe infections cause premature leaf drop and reduced vigour, especially during warm, wet spells or when leaves stay damp.
Reduce spread by removing infected leaves, watering at the base, and spacing plants for airflow. Mulch to limit soil splash and rotate crops. Organic preventatives include copper and sulfur sprays applied early. If disease escalates, registered fungicides offer a chemical backup.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew appears as a white, talc‑like coating on leaves and stems. It thrives in warm days, cool nights, and still air, and can weaken plants by reducing photosynthesis, leading to yellowing and early leaf drop.
Prune for airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove badly affected foliage. Organic sprays such as milk solution, potassium bicarbonate, sulfur, or neem help suppress outbreaks. Chemical fungicides are effective when started early, but use sparingly to preserve beneficial organisms.
Slugs & snails
Slugs and snails chew irregular holes in foliage and fruit and can wipe out seedlings overnight, especially in damp, sheltered spots.
Remove hiding places, water in the morning, and use beer traps, boards, or shelters to concentrate and hand‑pick. Copper barriers can deter them. For baits, iron‑based pellets are the safest organic option; use metaldehyde baits cautiously due to risks to pets and wildlife.
Rust
Rust diseases produce raised orange‑brown pustules on leaves and stems. Spores disperse easily on wind and water, causing repeated reinfection and gradual weakening of plants.
Remove infected material and avoid wetting foliage. Grow resistant varieties where possible and rotate crops. Organic sulfur or copper sprays can protect new growth; systemic fungicides are a chemical fallback if rust persists.
Leaf miners
Leaf miners can affect plant health and yields in home gardens. Typical symptoms include slowed growth, discolouration, and reduced productivity, often triggered by weather, nutrition, or cultural conditions.
Start with cultural fixes: rotate crops, improve soil with compost, water consistently, and choose resistant varieties. Organic sprays or amendments can reduce severity; chemical options are a last resort and should be used carefully and in accordance with labels.
Growing Tips
• Sorrel can spread by self-seeding; remove flower stalks to contain plants.
• Sorrel bolts in heat; harvest often and provide some shade in summer.
• Sorrel leaves become very sharp-tasting in drought; water consistently.
