Sorrel - Red Vein (Bloody Dock)

25+ Seeds

Organic Bloody Dock Sorrel Seeds

Organic Bloody Dock Sorrel (Rumex sanguineus), also known as Bloody Sorrel, Red-Veined Dock, Bloodwort, or Wood Dock, is a striking perennial leafy green grown for its edible lemony leaves and ornamental red-veined foliage. Its bright green leaves with deep red veins make it one of the most eye-catching edible plants for part-shade garden beds, containers, and mixed edible landscapes.

This unique sorrel plant offers a tangy, acidic flavour similar to lemon, making young leaves a colourful addition to salads, soups, sauces, and cooked greens. Unlike many annual leafy greens, Bloody Dock Sorrel can return year after year in suitable climates, giving gardeners a beautiful perennial vegetable with both culinary and ornamental value.

For more leafy greens and salad crops, browse our Lettuce, Spinach & Arugula Seeds collection.

Scientific Profile

Bloody Dock Sorrel belongs to the buckwheat family and is valued for both its edible leaves and ornamental foliage. Like spinach and other tangy greens, sorrel contains oxalic acid, which gives the leaves their bright lemony flavour. For that reason, sorrel is best enjoyed in moderate amounts as part of a varied diet rather than eaten in very large quantities.

How to Grow Bloody Dock Sorrel From Seed

Sow Bloody Dock Sorrel seeds outdoors in early spring once the soil can be worked, or start indoors and transplant carefully while seedlings are still young. Sorrel can be grown from seed or divided from established clumps in early spring, but it generally prefers not to be disturbed once established.

Lightly cover seeds with soil and keep the planting area evenly moist until germination. Sorrel grows best in nutrient-rich, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage. While it appreciates good sunlight, it also performs well in part shade, making it useful for garden areas where many vegetables struggle.

Bloody Dock Sorrel is especially useful in edible landscaping because it looks ornamental while still producing edible leaves. For more compact and unusual edible crops, explore our Container Garden Compact Plants collection.

How to Harvest Bloody Dock Sorrel

Harvest young sorrel leaves once they reach a usable size. The youngest leaves usually have the best texture and a bright, tangy flavour that works well in salads and fresh dishes.

For continued production, pick outer leaves regularly while leaving the centre of the plant intact. Frequent harvesting encourages fresh new growth and helps prevent the plant from becoming tall, tough, and quick to seed.

If the plant begins sending up flower stalks, cut them back to encourage more tender leaf production. Regular harvesting keeps Bloody Dock Sorrel compact, attractive, and productive through the growing season.

Bloody Dock Sorrel Growing Stages

Fertilizer for Bloody Dock Sorrel

Bloody Dock Sorrel grows best in fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Before planting, mix compost or well-aged organic matter into the bed to support healthy leafy growth.

Because sorrel is harvested for its leaves, steady soil fertility and consistent moisture are more important than heavy feeding. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can encourage overly soft growth. For more guidance on feeding leafy vegetables naturally, read our Organic Fertilizer Guide.

Best Uses for Bloody Dock Sorrel

• Fresh salads
• Soups and sauces
• Cooked greens
• Edible landscaping
• Part-shade garden beds
• Ornamental vegetable gardens
• Colourful garnish
• Perennial edible borders

Bloody Dock Sorrel pairs well with other leafy greens and cool-season crops from our Vegetable Seeds collection.

Quick Planting Instructions

• Sow outdoors in early spring once soil can be worked.
• Lightly cover seeds with soil.
• Grow in full sun to part shade.
• Space plants 8–12 inches apart.
• Plant in nutrient-rich, moisture-retentive soil.
• Keep soil evenly moist during germination.
• Harvest young leaves regularly.
• Cut back flower stalks to encourage tender leaf growth.

FAQs

What is Bloody Dock Sorrel?

Bloody Dock Sorrel is a perennial leafy green also known as Red-Veined Sorrel. It produces edible lemony leaves with striking red veins, making it useful as both a vegetable and an ornamental garden plant.

Is Bloody Dock Sorrel edible?

Yes. The young leaves are edible and can be used in salads, soups, sauces, and cooked greens. They have a tangy flavour due to naturally occurring oxalic acid.

Does Bloody Dock Sorrel come back every year?

Yes. In suitable climates, Bloody Dock Sorrel is a perennial and can return year after year, especially in gardens around Zone 4 and warmer.

Can Bloody Dock Sorrel grow in shade?

Yes. Bloody Dock Sorrel grows well in part shade, although it can also tolerate good sunlight when soil moisture is consistent.

How do you harvest Bloody Dock Sorrel?

Harvest the young outer leaves as needed while leaving the centre of the plant intact. Regular picking encourages fresh growth and helps keep the plant compact.

Can Bloody Dock Sorrel grow in containers?

Yes. Bloody Dock Sorrel can grow in containers as long as the pot has good drainage, nutrient-rich soil, and consistent moisture.

Related Products

Looking for more unusual leafy greens and easy salad crops? Pair Organic Bloody Dock Sorrel with these related seeds for colourful, productive harvests.

• Strawberry Spinach Seeds
• Big Leaf Spinach Seeds - Vancouver Variety
• Arugula Seeds - Bellezia Organic