Plant guide

Garden sorrel.

Rumex acetosa

Pronounced ROO-mex ah-seh-TOH-sah

Also known as Common Sorrel, Garden Sorrel, Garden dock

Garden sorrel is a hardy perennial herb known for its sharp, lemony flavor. It grows in a basal rosette of arrow shaped leaves that add a nice zing to salads and soups. You will love how easily it thrives in cool weather.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial herb
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 2 feet tall and wide
Growth rate: Fast

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist to prevent the plant from bolting prematurely in the heat. Watch for yellowing leaves as a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Harvest the outer leaves regularly to encourage fresh new growth from the center.

Watering: Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the active growing season.
Pruning: Remove flower stalks as they appear to keep the plant focused on leaf production.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root bound or the soil loses its structure.
Soil: Rich, moist, well draining soil
Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.0

Safety

Pets: This plant contains soluble calcium oxalates which can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested in large quantities.

How to identify it

Arrow shaped bright green leaves
Basal rosette growth habit
Small reddish green flower spikes
Distinctly tart and acidic taste

Science

Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Rumex
Order: Caryophyllales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your garden sorrel looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.