A knockout in border and island gardens, red veined sorrel, also known as “bloody dock”, is an edible ornamental plant that grows in thick clusters of bright green leaves that are variegated with deep red-colored veins that run through the center and extend out toward the each of each leaf.
These plants serve double-duty, as they aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, but they can also be grown, harvested, and eaten. The tart lemon-like flavor tastes delicious mixed in with other greens and veggies as salads, served as an accompaniment to sandwiches, and as an edible garnish for soups. The leaves can even be made into a delightful pesto. As if being visually pleasing and edible wasn’t enough, red veined sorrel is also has the healing properties of an herb. It really is quite a remarkable plant.
Easy to grow from seeds in both flower beds and container gardens, red vein sorrel will add beautiful interest to your landscape, patio, deck, porch, or even your indoor garden. When they reach full maturity, the tender leaves can be harvested and enjoyed as tasty, healthful treats. Interested in learning more about this perennial plant, including how to successfully grow it? If so, keep on reading!
About Red Veined Sorrel
Contents
- Bloody dock is a member of the Polygonacea or buckwheat family, which is informally known as the “knotweed” or “smartweed” family. This family contains an estimated 1,200 species, which are dispersed into around 48 genera.
- The name of the plant family is based on the Polygonum genus, a name that was first heard in the book Genera Plantarum, a book written by Antoine Laurent de Jussieu in 1789. It is believed that the name is a reference to the swollen nodes that the stem of some of the species contain.
- The foliage consists of vibrant green, lance-shaped leaves with deep burgundy-red veins that run through the center and extend out toward the end. The intensity of the variegation varies from plant to plant, and from cultivator to cultivator.
- Bloody dock is native to Asia and Europa, though it has adapted to parts of the United States and Canada, too.
- When it grows in the wild, red veined sorrel can be found in forests, trenches, and clearings; however, thanks to the showy color and display of the leaves, and the fact that they’re edible and have healing properties, they are commonly cultivated for landscaping, food, and natural medicine.
Red Vein Sorrel Features
- Bloody dock is a member of the Polygonacea or buckwheat family, which is informally known as the “knotweed” or “smartweed” family. This family contains an estimated 1,200 species, which are dispersed into around 48 genera.
- Red vein sorrel is a hardy edible perennial that grows in zones 5 to 8, though commonly it overwinters in zone 4, especially when the ground is covered in ample amounts of snow.
- The leaves grow in clumps that grow in a rosette-like shape, and reach about 18 inches high, and are about the same distance around.
- Bloody dock is edible; however, it is important to note that it does contain oxalic acid, a compound that is also found in spinach, which can cause an upset stomach and irritated skin to those who are sensitive to the compound. When consumed in large quantities, oxalic acid can result in mineral deficiencies; particularly calcium. The compound is reduced when consumed. Those who know or who suspect they will have an adverse reaction should avoid consuming red veined sorrel.
- If you do intend on growing the plant as a vegetable, harvesting the young, tender leaves, which can be consumed either raw or cooked (similar to how you would cook spinach). The leaves become tougher and more bitter as they age.
- The oxalic acid is what gives the plant its red veins and bitter lemon flavor, two features it is famous for.
- In the spring, clusters of small star-shaped flowers emerge from the deep red stems that can reach up to 30 inches tall. Initially, the flowers are green, but overtime, they darken and become reddish-brown, and eventually, a reddish-brown fruit appears.
Growing Red Vein Sorrel
Generally speaking, red vein sorrel or bloody dock (whichever you prefer to call it) is easy to grow and maintain. This is true when grown outdoors in garden beds or in containers indoors or out. They’re hard in USDA zones 4 through 8; however, they can be grown successfully as annuals in other zones, as well.
All varieties of sorrel prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH level of 5.5 to 6.8. Bloody dock does best in full sun for around six hours a day; however, it can tolerate partial shade. You can also grow bloody dock in containers. Make sure to choose a pot that has drainage holes and is at least six inches wide.
- Blood-Veined Sorrel is an old heirloom leafy-herb that has become more common these days in salad mixes sold at the grocery. You can always spot it by the distinct, red veins. It has a tangy, lemon-like flavor that really adds a lot of interesting flavor to your salads. Sorrel has been grown by European cultures since the pre-Roman days.
- Grown in 2022 for the 2023 season
- Red Veined Sorrel Seeds - 1 g Packet ~500 Seeds - Rumex sanguineus
- Non-GMO - Heirloom - Open Pollinated - Premium Seeds - High Germination Rate
- Herb Gardening & Microgreens Seeds
- 55 Days to Full Maturity - Perennial in Zones 4-9 - Can be grown as an Annual
- Mountain Valley Seed Company Brand - Independently Family Owned & Operated Small Seed Company - Premium Quality Seeds
- Days to Harvest: 50 baby, 70 full size
- Seeds are Non-GMO and hand packed by David's Garden Seeds in the United States
- Bright-green leaves with contrasting dark maroon stems and veins add color and taste to salad mix
- Same sharp, tangy flavor as regular sorrel
- Germination rate about 80% or better
Sow the seeds in a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. For most of the year, the containers should be in full sun; however, during the summer, move them to a location where they will receive light shade. To help retain the moisture content in the soil, place mulch around the base of the plants, and keep the soil moist, but not drenched.
Throughout the growing season, red vein sorrel should receive about 1 inch of water each week. When watering, be sure to use a direct stream and apply it toward the soil line. Avoid splashing the water up onto the crown. If the leaves get too wet, fungal diseases can develop or rot can occur.
Planting Multiple Red Vein Sorrel
Since red vein sorrel offers several healing properties, it is commonly used as natural medicine. It’s also a versatile, tasty, healthy food that can be consumed in so many ways. Whether you’re planning on growing it for medicinal purposes or for an organic, healthful food, when planting red vein sorrel, a “cut-and-come-again” approach is a great option. By taking this planting approach, you will be able to easily access the crop.
These plants respond very well to being harvested; the more you pick, the more they will grow. To plant as a “cut-and-come-again” crop, use the following tips:
- Prepare the area where you will be planting your red vein sorrel. Boosting and amending the soil prior to planting will ensure that it is fertile and that your plants will flourish. Worm castings and a modest layer of organic compost would work very well.
- Sow the seeds about 1 to 2 weeks prior to the average date of the last spring frost in your area. Alternatively, you can sow the seeds when the temperature of the soil reaches about 50 degrees F. For spring harvesting, red vein sorrel seeds can also be sown in the late fall prior to the first frost. If you’re interested in scatter sowing, sprinkle your seeds across the planting area, or if you want to use a little more care and organization, you can set the seeds in the ground so that they are about 1 to 3 inches apart.
- To ensure that the seeds make good contact with the soil, gently press them into the soil.
- Cover the seeds with a layer of soil between about 1/8 of an inch to ¼ of an inch. Water the seeds and within about 5 to 10 days, sprouts should start emerging.
- As the sprouts start emerging, trim the outer layers of your red vein sorrel. You could also simply harvest them, on an as-needed basis, or you could treat them as an annual plant and just let them add color and interest to your garden.
- As the plants grow larger, it’s a wise idea to consider transplanting them to new locations around your yard. The reason being that just like a person needs more space as they grow, so does red vein sorrel. By relocating them, they will have room to spread out and flourish.
Planting Individual Sorrel Plants
If you prefer, you can grow individual red vein sorrel plants. To do so, begin by repeating steps 1 through 5 in the above section; however, rather than scatter sowing or planting 1 to 3 inches apart, sow the seeds so that there’s about 8 to 12 inches of space between. When smaller sprouts in each bunch emerge, thinning them out is a good idea.
Note: don’t just toss the thinned sprouts; instead, mix them into a salad, steam them, or just nibble on them, as those small sprouts will be packed with flavor and tons of vital nutrients.
As red vein sorrel matures, it can become rather large, reaching an average size of about 24 inches by 24 inches. If individual plants start crowding one another, move them around. When the plants are crowded, they won’t have enough room to spread out, and they will compete with each other for nutrients, moisture, and sunlight, which means they won’t thrive. When you’re moving the plants, be sure to dig deeply around the root zone so that you can grab the entire root system.
