How to Grow Sorrel in New Zealand
A hardy perennial in most of the country with lemony, tangy leaves for raw or cooked use. Cut it back hard in summer to slow bolting and keep fresh new growth coming.
When to plant sorrel in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best sorrel varieties for NZ
- Common (Broad-Leaf) Sorrel — Large lemony leaves for soups and sauces, vigorous perennial. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- French (Buckler-Leaf) Sorrel — Small shield-shaped leaves with a sharper tang, good in salads. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow sorrel
- Space plants about 30cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 60 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow sorrel near: Strawberry, Lettuce.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Slugs, Snails. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Sorrel plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant sorrel in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy sorrel seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.