Lettuce
40days to harvest
7-14 daysdays to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow in spring after last frost or in late summer for fall harvest

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Regular, keep soil consistently moist
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil
Spacing
12-18 inches
Height
8 inches
Season
Perennial

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Green
Size
8"
Shape
Elongated, lance-shaped leaves
Flavour
Intense lemony and tart flavor with fresh, tangy notes that complement fish and rich dishes.

In the kitchen

Fresh salads, soups, sauces, cocktails, fish dishes, compound butters, vinaigrettes, herbs

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Slugs, snails, aphids
Diseases
Leaf spot, rust

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1January – December——January – December
2January – December——January – December
3January – December——January – December
4January – December——January – December
5January – December——January – December
6January – December——January – December
7January – December——January – December
8January – December——January – December
9January – December——January – December
10January – December——January – December
11January – December——January – December
12January – December——January – December
13January – December——January – December

Companion planting

16 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 6 to avoid.

ChivesRepels aphids and improves soil health with sulfur compounds
LettuceSimilar growing conditions and helps maximize garden space efficiently
SpinachCompatible cool-season crops with similar water and nutrient needs
RadishesQuick-growing root crop that doesn't compete for space and loosens soil
CarrotsDeep roots complement shallow sorrel roots, efficient space utilization
ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects and has similar growing requirements
DillAttracts beneficial predatory insects that control garden pests
StrawberriesProvides ground cover and both prefer slightly acidic soil conditions
LettuceSimilar growing conditions and harvest timing, good space utilization
SpinachCompatible growth rates and water requirements for microgreen production
Pea ShootsNitrogen fixation benefits soil, similar harvest timing
ArugulaSimilar germination time and growing conditions, complementary flavors
RadishFast germination helps break soil crust, compatible harvest timing
ChivesNatural pest deterrent, doesn't compete for space due to different root systems
ParsleySimilar moisture needs and growing conditions for microgreen production
CilantroCompatible growth requirements and harvest schedule

Avoid

FennelProduces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most leafy greens
BrassicasHeavy feeders that compete for nutrients and may stunt sorrel growth
SunflowersAllelopathic effects and creates too much shade for sorrel plants
Mustard GreensMay cross-pollinate with sorrel affecting seed quality if plants bolt
FennelAllelopathic compounds inhibit germination and growth of most other plants
Brassica MicrogreensCompete for similar nutrients and may attract same pests like flea beetles

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
69
Protein (g)
1.5
Fat (g)
0.1
Carbohydrate (g)
17.6
Fibre (g)
5.3
Sugars (g)
8.55
Vitamin A (µg)
5
Vitamin C (mg)
54.1
Calcium (mg)
8
Iron (mg)
1.61
Magnesium (mg)
24
Phosphorus (mg)
47
Potassium (mg)
304
Zinc (mg)
0.31

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the lettuce growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Sorrel?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other lettuce with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Sorrel suits these too.

Browse all 110 lettuce