Growing sorrel in pots

Which container to choose for growing sorrel?

To encourage the proper development of sorrel, a large pot is necessary. Opt for pots that are at least 30 cm high and 30 to 40 cm in diameter to ensure that the sorrel is not hindered. Additionally, the larger the pot, the less the soil will dry out, which is preferable for sorrel that enjoys cool soils. Furthermore, the soil should be deep as sorrel has a taproot.

If you are growing sorrel for the flavour of its leaves, the flower stalks should be cut off.

Also, because sorrel likes cool soils, synthetic containers are preferable. Evaporation will indeed be less significant in these. However, ensure you choose a material that is very frost-resistant and make sure to drill holes in the bottom of the pot if not already done to facilitate drainage. And don’t forget the saucer to place under the pot.

What substrate should you provide for pot-grown sorrel?

In the garden, in open ground, this perennial plant has a preference for neutral to acidic soils that are rich in humus and moist. Heavy, clayey soils can also suit it. However, it struggles in calcareous soils.

In pots or containers, you should provide your sorrel with a substrate composed of a good quality horticultural compost with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and high water retention. To boost the plant and encourage its growth, the substrate should be enriched with well-decomposed compost or another organic fertiliser.

When and how to plant or sow sorrel in a pot?

To grow your sorrel in a pot, you have two options: either you plant young plants bought in pots, or you sow seeds.

Planting Sorrel in Pots

Purchased in pots, sorrel is planted in spring, from March to May. Before placing the root ball in the pot, remember to cover the bottom with a layer of gravel or clay balls to promote drainage. Then, plant your root ball, firm the soil around it, and water.

About 3 weeks after planting, the first leaves can be harvested.

Sowing Sorrel Seeds

You can sow your sorrel in a sheltered spot from March to May in pots or trays using special seed compost. The sorrel seeds should be covered with a very fine layer of compost, and watering should be done with a fine spray.

Once the seedlings have 3 to 5 leaves, it’s time to transplant your sorrel into your pot, container, or window box filled with substrate. Choose the most vigorous seedling and only place one seedling per pot.

Do You Already Have Sorrel in the Garden?

A lovely clump of sorrel is already growing in your garden, and you want to grow some in a pot? Simply divide your clump. This division should be done before winter and will only benefit your sorrel, allowing it to regenerate.

The first step is to dig up the entire clump with a fork. Then, slice the clump into several pieces with a knife and take one to plant in a pot. This planting should be done immediately. The other pieces will be replanted in the garden in well-prepared soil or given to your neighbours.

Garden sorrel can be divided to be planted in pots

Where should I place my sorrel in a pot?

Your sorrel pot can be placed on a balcony, a windowsill, a terrace, in short, wherever you like, with one condition: it must benefit from partial shade. Indeed, sorrel is sensitive to intense heat and summer drought, which make its leaves bitter.

However, in spring, a sunny exposure is preferable. As soon as temperatures rise, you just need to move it to the shade.

Hardy down to -20 °C, sorrel can remain outside all winter. In the coldest regions, mulching is recommended, and why not a protective covering for the pot.

Care and watering of potted sorrel

Previously, we emphasised that sorrel thrives in cool soils. If you are growing it in a pot, watering will need to be very regular, at a rate of 3 to 4 times a week during the height of summer. To know when to water, simply insert a finger into the substrate a few centimetres deep. If you don’t find any moisture, it’s time to water. Never forget that the substrate should be kept cool. This coolness is key to the sweet and tangy flavour of the leaves.

To maintain this relative humidity, you can apply a light mulch on top of the pot. Especially if you tend to forget some waterings…

If you do not water sufficiently, you risk an early flowering which hinders the production of new leaves. In any case, remove the flower stems (which have no ornamental value!) as soon as they appear to encourage the development of new tender shoots.

An essential annual repotting

When grown in a pot, sorrel should be repotted every year in spring. You can take this opportunity to divide the clumps to rejuvenate the plant.

During repotting, make sure to add plenty of compost to give the plant a boost and encourage its recovery.

Which varieties for pot cultivation?

All varieties of sorrel can be grown in pots. The choice is yours based on your preferences and needs. However, the most commonly cultivated remains the wild or common sorrel (Rumex acetosa), particularly hardy and productive. Among this variety, the Large Belleville Sorrel stands out for its high yield of large light green leaves. The virgin sorrel (Rumex arifolius) is also renowned for its productivity.

If you want to add a splash of colour to your balcony or window, choose sorrel varieties with more colourful foliage. The blood sorrel (Rumex sanguineus) features red-veined foliage, while the purple sorrel (Rumex purpurea) is tinged with purple.

Blood sorrel, spinach sorrel (©La Ferme de Sainte-Marthe), and purple sorrel grow very well in pots

Finally, you may choose the spinach sorrel (Rumex patienta) if you are looking for a milder flavour. This variety of sorrel is ideal for growing in a large pot.