BUCKLER SORREL SEEDS

Rumex scutatus

This little French sorrel is superior in every way to common garden sorrel: the plant stays small and attractive and the semi-succulent shield-shaped leaves taste of clean bright lemon, never acrid or too sour. Leaves can be harvested for sauces and salad all season. It is reliably perennial in zone 5. Buckler Sorrel will be one of the first edibles to emerge in spring. Its small stature and polite clumping habit make it suitable for tucking here and there in the garden. It is happy to grow in the dappled shade of other plants.

Sow seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost: press seeds into moist soil, barely covering with additional soil or fine vermiculite, mist; kept moist in bright lights seeds will germinate at room temperature in a week or two. Transplant seedlings to individual pots or cells to grow on in not-too-bright light before planting outdoors on or around the last frost. Choose their position wisely, as most Sorrels are long-lived perennials that are a challenge to remove once established. This little sorrel prefers rich, moist soil in part shade, and will even tolerate most clay soils. In the garden it will be happy in the shade of other plants.

Buckler Sorrel is an excellent choice for permaculture, but is less tolerant of dry soil than R. acetosa. It is a nice companion for strawberries and Allium species. Keep seed stalks, inconspicuous though they may be, cut back.

Collectors should seek out “Silver Buckler's" or “Silver Shield" cultivars, which have leaves overlaid with silver and an even tider habit. Unfortunately they are not as hardy as the species.

Packet contains at least 30 seeds.