Content
Sour sorrel is a common garden crop that has a distinctive leaf shape and a bright, memorable taste. Most summer residents and gardeners prefer perennial species of sorrel, but the productivity of the plant decreases from year to year. For each region of Russia there is a certain type of herbaceous crop, which grows fruitfully in the given area.
Description of sorrel
The plant is considered a descendant of the Buckwheat family. At the moment, there are about 150 species in horticulture that gardeners plant. In the forest belt it grows as a grass; summer residents cultivate bushy varieties. Without the help of gardeners, it grows in the European part of Russia for up to 3-5 years.
Common sorrel is characterized by elongated, oblong and wide leaves, the base of which begins at the petioles of the plant. During the flowering period, the plant grows flower stalks. The bush is distinguished by a large inflorescence, the flowers are located on the tops of the peduncles. The seeds are contained in a triangular capsule, which appears after flowering.
Varieties and types of sorrel
About 70 varieties of sorrel are grown in Russia. Due to its content of nutrients and vitamins, it has remained popular among gardeners and gardeners for decades. The advantage of this plant is its ability to hybridize with different types of herbaceous crops. The result of such experiments is a hybrid variety of red sorrel.
Sour sorrel
It is considered the most common plant species among a number of perennial herbaceous crops. In favorable growing conditions, sour sorrel reaches a height of 30-50 cm. The stems are erect, soft, and spear-shaped. The leaves have a distinct sour taste due to the high concentration of vitamin C. It blooms in summer and early autumn with red or green flowers.
Sour sorrel is used to normalize the digestive and diuretic system. Due to its low calorie content, sour sorrel has established itself as a dietary product. In folk medicine it is used as a component of decoctions to stimulate liver function. The juice of the sour plant is consumed to increase appetite and strengthen the immune system. Demonstrative photo of the sour sorrel variety:
Large-leaved sorrel
The homeland of this sour plant is considered to be Europe and Asia. Large-leaved plant variety with early ripening. The foliage is large, oval in shape with a narrowed base towards the roots of the plant, grows as a bush to a height of 20 cm. The rosette of the plant is erect, compacted.The root system of the bush develops from the main stem. Closer to the surface of the earth, the roots branch.
The first young leaves are eaten 30-45 days after planting the seeds. In addition to oxalic acid, the leaves of this species contain malic and citric acid. Productivity ranges from 1 to 1.5 kg per 1 sq. m. The large-leaved variety is resistant to stemming and low temperatures. Cut bunches are stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator without losing their presentation.
Red sorrel
The only variety of sorrel with blood-red veins. Gardeners use it as an ornamental plant. Sorrel leaves are spear-shaped with red veins. Depending on the acidity of the soil, the leaves may be light green with purple veins. The red variety blooms with greenish-brown flowers. Most gardeners cut off the inflorescences when they first appear, so the bushes grow and have a dense rosette.
The variety is unpretentious to high temperatures. It coexists harmoniously with a variety of flower crops. Red sorrel leaves are rarely eaten. The plant is often attacked by aphids, so chemical treatment is necessary for comfortable plant growth.
Broadleaf sorrel
This type of herbaceous crop is characterized by a late ripening period from 45 to 60 days. In one season, the bush is cut 5-6 times and about 5 kg of sorrel is collected from 1 square meter. m. The leaf blade reaches 8 cm. The rosette of the bush is loose, the height is 10-15 cm.
Seeds are planted every 5 years. Greenery grows rapidly if the distance between bushes is no more than 45 cm. The broad-leaved crop grows well in any soil, but the variety is not intended for planting in wetlands.The sour plant contains protein, in minimal quantities a concentrate of iron, sulfur, and phosphorus.
Belvian sorrel
Among its relatives it is the earliest ripening variety. The herbaceous plant is ready for cutting after 20-30 days after planting in the ground. The bush grows spreading in an elevated position. The leaves are light green. The surface of the sheet has a glossy sheen, there are convex irregularities. The leaf width reaches 5-6 cm and is ovoid in shape. The bushes grow 20-25 cm high and quickly become overgrown.
The species is resistant to frost and high temperatures. In one harvest season from 1 sq. m. harvested up to 3-3.5 kg. The leaf blades are eaten. By the time they ripen, the stems become stiff, so they are added to tinctures to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Planting in film greenhouses is possible. The Belvian variety is suitable for planting in the northern part of Russia.
Fermented milk products react with acid. In this form it can be consumed in large quantities.
The best varieties of sorrel for the Moscow region
The Moscow region is characterized by a cloudy and changeable climate. Summer can be hot and cold in one season. Gardeners and gardeners in this area grow either several varieties of sorrel, or plant the most unpretentious plant according to its characteristics.
Sorrel Sanguine
Perennial plant, growing season from 40 to 45 days. The bushes are formed high - 30 cm. The herbaceous crop has a taproot without branches to the ground surface. Sorrel stems have red veins and a reddish edge. The yield is 4 kg.The variety is resistant to drought and frost. Sanguine has a unique foliage color - rich green.
Nikolsky sorrel
A variety with elongated light green leaves. The width of the leaf blade is 3-5 cm. The rosette is loose, reaching a height of 30-40 cm. For good growth and harvest, when planting, plants maintain a standard distance between bushes of 20-25 cm. They are used together with the stems for food, and they are prepared for the winter.
Sorrel Champion
An early ripening species, suitable for planting in a greenhouse. It has an attractive presentation that lasts for a long time. Planting takes place in April or mid-May. Champion does not require frequent watering. The leaves taste sour and juicy.
Sorrel Odessa
An early ripening variety with a moderate ripening period - 30-35 days. The Odessa variety is resistant to pests and does not require chemical treatment. Productivity is up to 7 kg per 1 sq. m. The leaves are rich in potassium, iron, and proteins. They are often eaten, used in tinctures, and dried for the winter.
Sorrel Bloody Mary
Decorative, early ripening variety of herbaceous crop. Unlike the red variety, the leaves of Bloody Mary are eaten and prepared for the winter. The leaves are characterized by burgundy splashes on a green background of the leaf blade. Also contains vitamins A and C. For the climate of the Moscow region, Bloody Mary is the best choice of sorrel varieties.
Features of cultivation
For all varieties of sorrel, open ground is fertilized with compost and black soil. Soil with a high acidity content does not require treatment with fertilizers. The peculiarity of planting is that sorrel can be planted at any time of the year. In a greenhouse or open ground, the yield will not decrease.For initial planting, choose a place where carrots, chickpeas or greens previously grew. There should be partial shade at the planting site so that young leaves do not shrink during the growth period.
The land for planting is prepared in the fall: it is dug up with leaves. In spring, the soil is loosened and beds or holes are made. Before planting, the seeds are treated with a growth stimulator, mixed with superphosphate and planted in the hole. The distance between the rows depends on the selected type of sorrel. Most gardeners use a standard planting distance of 40-45 cm.
The first watering is carried out after planting. The culture is unpretentious to the watering schedule and can grow on its own. However, the harvest in this case will not be fruitful. Gardeners water sorrel with diluted nettle infusion to preserve nutrients if they do not have time to harvest. Frequent feeding of sorrel is not required. When the soil stagnates, surface loosening is carried out.
Conclusion
Sour sorrel is unpretentious to growing and planting conditions. All varieties have an attractive presentation and a large amount of nutrients for the human body. The plant is popular not only among gardeners; it is recommended as a dietary element for weight loss. Those who like sour foods are not recommended to consume them in large quantities without additives that neutralize oxalic acid.
