HERB ‘Red Veined Sorrel’ Seeds
Botanical Name: Rumex sanguineus
- Also known as Bloody Dock or Red Veined Dock.
- Striking foliage with bright green leaves and deep red veins.
- Fresh, lemony flavour perfect for salads, sandwiches, or microgreens.
- Hardy perennial, frost-tolerant, and thrives in cool climates.
Product Description
Red Veined Sorrel is a hardy perennial herb that brings both beauty and bold flavour to your garden. Its bright green leaves are etched with deep red veins, offering ornamental appeal as well as a crisp, lemony taste. It grows easily in containers or garden beds and performs best in moist, well-drained soil.
The young leaves are ideal as baby greens, while older leaves develop a more intense flavour and slightly tougher texture. Sorrel is nutrient-rich and long-lasting in the garden, offering a consistent supply of edible leaves with minimal maintenance. It is especially well-suited to New Zealand’s cooler regions and tolerates light frost.
Plant Details:
- Plant Type: Hardy perennial herb
- Plant Height: Up to 30 cm
Sowing Information:
- Germination: 7–14 days
- Depth: Sow 0.5 cm deep with a light soil cover
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Sow Where: Direct into garden beds or large pots
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
- Spacing: 30 cm between plants
Growing Tips:
- Keep soil consistently moist to prevent bitterness in the leaves.
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
- Can be divided and replanted for long-term performance.
Harvest:
Ready in approximately 55 days. Pick outer leaves as needed for a continual supply of fresh greens.
How to Grow Red Veined Sorrel as Microgreens
- Do not pre-soak the seeds before sowing.
- Use approx. 5 grams of seed for a 10 x 20″ tray.
- Fill tray with 2–3 cm of moist potting mix (not hydroponic medium).
- Evenly scatter seeds on the surface and mist lightly.
- Cover with a lid or blackout dome and keep in a dark, cool place for 5–10 days.
- After germination, expose to bright light or filtered sun and keep moist.
Harvest (Microgreens): Ready in up to 30 days. Harvest by cutting 1–2 cm above the soil line. (Difficulty: Hard)
When to Sow Red Veined Sorrel in New Zealand
| NZ Region | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | March – August | Grow in part shade during hot periods; mulch well. |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | February – July | Sow early to take advantage of autumn rains. |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | February – June | Avoid summer sowing; prefers cool-season growth. |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | January – May | Ideal for long cool seasons; sow direct or raise in trays. |
