Sorrel French Green De Belleville
Sorrel French Green De Belleville
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- Handmade in the UK
- Crafted from quality materials
- Made to order
Sorrel 'French Green De Belleville' Seeds
Classic French heirloom loved for its bright shield-shaped leaves and distinctively sharp, lemony tang. One of the first greens to emerge in spring, this hardy perennial provides a zesty 'cut-and-come-again' harvest for years with very little maintenance.
Sorrel 'French Green De Belleville' is a classic French heirloom variety of Rumex acetosa, prized for its bright, shield-shaped leaves and distinctively sharp, lemony tang. Unlike wild sorrel, this cultivated 'Belleville' strain is much less prone to bolting and produces larger, more succulent leaves that are the essential ingredient for a traditional "Soupe aux Herbes."
This hardy perennial is one of the very first greens to emerge in the spring, offering a welcome burst of citrus flavour when the rest of the vegetable patch is still waking up. It forms an attractive, leafy clump that works equally well in a dedicated herb bed or tucked into the front of a sunny border, where its deep roots allow it to thrive for many years with very little maintenance.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Rumex acetosa 'Green De Belleville' is a Hardy Perennial (H7). It is incredibly resilient to the British winter, dying back to the ground in late autumn and re-emerging with vigorous growth as soon as the soil begins to warm in March.
Culinary Heritage: This is the definitive "culinary sorrel." Its high oxalic acid content gives it a sharp, acidic punch that cuts through rich ingredients like salmon, eggs, and cream. Picked young, the baby leaves are tender enough for salads; when mature, they are best used like spinach in soups and sauces.
Longevity: Once established, a single plant can provide a "cut-and-come-again" harvest for 5 years or more. It is a true workhorse for the self-sufficient cottage garden.
🌱 Growing Guide
Sorrel is remarkably easy to grow and thrives in the cool, moist conditions of the UK spring.
How to Sow:
Sow directly outdoors from March to June. Sow thinly in shallow drills 1cm deep, or scatter into a large container. Keep the soil moist during germination, which typically takes 10-14 days. Alternatively, sow in modules and transplant once the seedlings have several true leaves.
Where to Plant:
They prefer full sun but are one of the few edible greens that will perform excellently in partial shade. They thrive in most soil types but appreciate humus-rich ground that retains moisture during the summer.
Ongoing Care:
Sorrel is very low-maintenance. To keep the leaves tender and productive, remove any flower spikes as soon as they appear in summer; this prevents the plant from setting seed and keeps the energy focused on leaf production. Water well during dry spells to prevent the leaves from becoming too bitter.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Botanical Name | Rumex acetosa 'Green De Belleville' |
| Common Name | French Sorrel |
| Plant Type | Hardy Perennial |
| Hardiness | H7 (Extremely Hardy) |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun / Part Shade ⛅ |
| Height | 40cm - 60cm |
| Spread | 30cm - 40cm |
| Flowering Period | Flowers removed (for leaf growth) |
| Perfect For | 🍋 Zesty Lemony Saucery 🥣 Classic Sorrel Soup 🥗 Baby Leaf Salads 🏡 Permanent Kitchen Gardens |
| Seeds per Packet | Approximately 300 seeds |
🤝 Beautiful Garden Combinations
French Sorrel makes a lush, leafy anchor for a productive kitchen garden or herb border:
- 🌱 Chives: The Culinary Classic. Sorrel and Chives are the two primary ingredients in the famous French "Gribiche" or green sauces. They both re-emerge at the same time in spring and share a love for similar growing conditions.
- 🍃 Spinach: The Seasonal Relay. Planting Sorrel alongside your annual Spinach gives you a reliable backup. When the summer heat makes the Spinach bolt, the established perennial Sorrel will continue providing large, leafy harvests.
📅 Sowing & Harvesting Calendar
Sow in spring for harvests from early spring until the first heavy winter frosts.
⚠️ Health Note
Sorrel contains high levels of oxalic acid. While delicious and safe in normal quantities, it should be consumed in moderation by those with a history of kidney stones or those suffering from kidney ailments.
📖 Want more detailed growing advice?
View our Complete Growing Guide for Herb Seeds →
Material & Sizing
All of our products are handmade in the UK using carefully selected materials, chosen for durability and suitability for their intended use.
All dimensions are approximate and measured externally.
As each item is handmade, minor variations in size and finish may occur.
This does not affect the strength or intended use of the product.
Materials
- Crafted from quality timber or materials appropriate to the product type
- Designed for strength, stability, and everyday use
- Finished with care to ensure a clean, consistent appearance
(Planters are built using timber suited for outdoor use. Non-Outdoor items use untreated materials where appropriate.)
Sizing
- Dimensions are listed on each product page
- Measurements are approximate due to the handmade nature of our products
- If you need a custom size or have specific requirements, bespoke options are available
If you’re unsure which size or product is right for your space, feel free to get in touch before ordering.
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