Autumn planting of sorrel

By the end of the first half of December, the time for winter planting comes to an end, when the seeds of crops that require stratification are placed in frozen soil. One such plant is sorrel. Winter planting of sorrel allows you to get tender and vitamin-rich leaves earlier. Also, the first year of sorrel's life is the most productive, so many prefer this method.

Sorrel is rich in various vitamins and minerals, including:

– Vitamin C, which is important for maintaining the immune system, promoting wound healing, and helping absorb iron. Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis, maintaining skin elasticity and preventing premature aging. Many cosmetic products use sorrel extracts for its soothing and healing properties.

– B vitamins, which play an important role in metabolism and maintaining a healthy nervous system.

– Potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which help normalize the cardiovascular system and strengthen bones.

Sorrel contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which protect cells from damage by free radicals. This can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Sorrel can be consumed fresh by adding it to salads, smoothies, or using it in various dishes. However, it is important to remember that sorrel contains oxalic acid, which can be harmful in large quantities, especially for people with kidney diseases. Therefore, it should be used in moderation.

Sorrel is a plant that does not require special attention and is completely frost-resistant. Several types of seeds are available in supermarkets. Thus, French sorrel or shield-leaf sorrel (Rumex scutatus) with small shield-shaped leaves and a lemony flavor can be found; blood-veined sorrel (Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus) with long, pointed leaves with dark red veins, streaks, and stems, they are both decorative and edible, with a sharp taste; broad-leaved or common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) which forms a bundle of long leaves with a tangy taste, used for salads or prepared as spinach.

Sorrel leaves should be trimmed regularly to ensure a constant supply of fresh young leaves. Old leaves become tough and bitter. In summer, plants start to flower, which should be removed if you want to continue harvesting leaves. However, blood-veined sorrel is so attractive that it is often grown for decorative purposes, for example, for flower bed decoration, leaving most of the leaves for aesthetic effect.

Sorrel can easily grow in sunlight or partial shade, in most soil types. Plants live for several years, dying in winter and then regrowing from the ground in spring. Although young plants can be more productive, you may prefer to sow them annually, collecting seeds from already established plants, so you won't have to remove the flower stems.

Sorrel seeds sown in autumn undergo natural stratification. This is a process in which seeds undergo cold treatment, promoting their germination in spring. This method ensures better seed germination and provides fresh greens early in the season, when other crops are just starting to grow.

This process requires no special effort. Sorrel is often sown in the understory circle of fruit trees and shrubs, such as apple, pear, cherry, currant, and so on.

Create furrows 2 cm deep. If you plan to create a separate bed for sorrel, for example, for sale, then rows should be placed 20-30 cm apart. Distribute the seeds evenly 5-10 cm apart in the furrows, cover with soil, and gently compact.