Rumex acetosa Polygonaceae

CULTIVATION Sorrel is a hardy perennial with bright green, spear-shaped leaves and rust-coloured, small, disc-shaped flowers from midsummer. Reaching 30-90cm (1-3ft), it prefers fertile, moist soil and light shade. Propagate it by sowing seeds in spring or by dividing the plant during the autumn. Thin seedlings to 25 cm (10in) apart. Harvest the leaves whenever they are available. A useful garden, border, edging and container herb. Recommended varieties R.a. ‘Large de Belleville’ and ‘Oseille de Belleville’.