Sorrel is a herbaceous perennial plant with a small branched root and stem with a height of 30-100 cm. The first mention as a vegetable crop dates back to the 12th century in France.
Total known more than 200 species of sorrel. But only a few species are grown as a medicinal and edible plant. All other species are common weeds.
In Russia, sorrel began to grow in gardens in the last century. About when to plant, which varieties are better to choose and what to focus on and will be discussed in the article.
When to sow seeds?
Sorrel seeds can be sown in open ground at different times of the year.
In the spring
When is the optimum planting time for a spring plant? The best option to plant this crop will be the month of April. This month, the earth retains a lot of moisture, which gives the seeds to settle down perfectly and give a good harvest. It is possible to sow in other spring months, the main thing is that the earth warms up to + 3-5 degrees. In this case, the harvest will be able to collect this year.
Cover your garden bed with plastic wrap in order to obtain earlier shoots. Of the varieties for spring sowing fit the following.
Variety "Belleville"
It is frost-resistant, it can be sown in early spring - in March, without fear of spring frosts. Rich in vitamin C, carotene and trace elements. It has a high yield. Up to 7 kg of crop per square meter can be collected per season..
We offer to watch a video about Belleviys sorrel variety:
"Maikop 10" and "Spinach"
Also perfect for sowing at this time of year. They are both early maturing and have a reduced acid content.
Summer
It is best to plant a variety from late June to early July.. After harvesting such early crops as winter garlic, onions and lettuce. The seeds of sorrel in the summer deepen by 2-3 cm. The main feature of summer sowing is their frequent watering. When planting in the summer time of the year, you can safely expect that the sorrel will grow, take root well and calmly survive the winter. Of the varieties for the summer planting the best fit.
"Lyon"
It has a high yield. The leaves are thick and large. It has a wonderful taste. Not too cold-resistant, so it is best to plant it in the summer.
"Odessa 17"
It has a high yield. Resistant to stalk. The main advantage for planting in the summer is its resistance to drought.
In the autumn
Many gardeners choose the time for planting late autumn. Best of all in November. The main the lack of autumn planting is uneven germination of seeds. Because of this, there is a decrease in the yield of sorrel. To do this, it is not necessary to save on sowing material. Be sure to ensure that the seeds do not have time to grow before frost, otherwise they will die from the cold.
- It is best to fill in dry ground with a layer of 1 cm into prepared furrows.
- Densely sow seeds.
- Sprinkle on top of a dry substrate, and cover with fallen leaves or snow.
Varieties for autumn planting is better to choose frost.
"Malachite"
At one place gives high yields 3-4 years. Early ripe variety. Sheet plate with a length of 12-15 cm.
"Broadleaf"
One of the old varieties of sorrel. Entered in the register of crops since 1961, the variety is early maturing. Used sorrel both in fresh form, and for canning.
When is it best to sow in open ground residents of different parts of Russia?
As for the landing time for the regions of our country, then it is better for residents of the Urals and Siberia to do this in spring and summer due to the climate. But in regions with a temperate climate, it can be planted in the Moscow region in the fall.
Growing at home
Sorrel can be grown at home during the autumn-winter period. The best months for this will be the end of November and the beginning of December. You can use the rhizomes of 2-4 year old plants or sow seeds. The following varieties will do:
- Maikop.
- Altaic.
- Odessa
Your mini-garden is better to break on the windowsill or glazed loggia.
What else to look for when choosing a landing time?
- In winter, it is advisable to install additional lighting so that the green does not stretch out. Fluorescent lamps at a height of 60 cm. Ideally suited for this.
- Attention should be paid to the process of watering. It is necessary to water only with warm water. Ice water from the tap will not work under any circumstances. In winter, when the heating is turned on and it becomes stuffy in the apartment, you need to water it based on the temperature in the room.
Sorrel has many beneficial properties.. Unpretentious, does not take much time to care. What allows you to eat it all year round. The article touched upon the issues that may arise in a gardener when growing sorrel in his country house and at home. Have a good harvest!
