Red Apache Sorrel is a vibrant herb variety that brings both ornamental appeal and culinary tang to the garden. This drought and heat-tolerant sorrel reaches just 12 to 18 inches tall, making it wonderfully compact for containers or tight garden spaces. Ready to harvest in 60 to 69 days, it produces distinctive red foliage with the characteristic lemony-earthy flavor sorrel lovers crave. Grow it as an annual in most zones, and you'll have a striking, low-maintenance addition to salads and sauces that thrives in full sun with minimal fuss.
Full Sun
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3-9
18in H x ?in W
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High
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Red Apache stands out as both a culinary herb and a garden ornament, with foliage that catches the eye while delivering authentic sorrel flavor. Its drought and heat tolerance means it shrugs off summer stress that would wilt other herbs, and the compact 12 to 18-inch growth habit fits easily into container gardens or tight garden layouts. From seed to first harvest in just 60 to 69 days, it rewards impatient gardeners with fast results.
Red Apache sorrel's tangy, lemon-earthy flavor makes it a natural for fresh salads, where its bright leaves add both color and a distinctive sharp note. The herb also excels in sauces, particularly those paired with fish or poultry, where the acidity complements rich dishes beautifully. Because it's easy to grow and quick to mature, home cooks can harvest tender leaves continuously throughout the season for fresh preparations.
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Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost date in your area, pressing them lightly into the soil surface or just barely covering them. Sorrel seeds are small and benefit from consistent moisture during germination, so keep the seed bed moist until seedlings emerge.
Begin harvesting leaves once the plant has established several sets of foliage, typically around 60 to 69 days from sowing. Pinch or cut individual leaves from the outside of the plant, working inward, which encourages continued growth and leaf production. The red foliage is most vibrant and flavorful when leaves are young and tender, so harvest regularly to promote fresh growth and prevent the plant from bolting.
With its upright growth habit, Red Apache requires minimal pruning. Regular harvesting of outer leaves naturally shapes the plant and encourages bushier growth, so approach harvesting as your primary pruning method.
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