Sorrel French Green De Belleville
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Description
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.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery:
Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.Special Deliveries
Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.Returns:
If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.
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Slow release for sustained growth
Organic fertilisers are broken down slowly by organisms in the soil to produce a more measured, consistent, natural release of nutrients. This results in uniform growth with strong stems and leaves, unlike chemical fertilisers which provide a sudden boost resulting in tall lanky plants. Stronger plants are more resistant to disease, and with the presence of mycorrizhal fungi to strengthen the roots, the plants, soil and fungi all work together long-term to create the perfect natural eco-system.
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The organic matter in Natural Grower will help keep your soil or compost in optimum condition, retain moisture over the dry summer months and improve the health and structure of your soil. The presence of natural Mycorrhizal fungi in our products enhances root growth, enabling plants to extract nutrients and absorb water more efficiently from the soil or compost. By using our products you will be supporting and enhancing the natural eco-system in the soil.
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