Red Veined Sorrel (Bloody Dock)

Description

Is Red Veined Sorrel (Bloody Dock) right for you?

What’s so special about red veined sorrel (rumex sanguineus) is its ornamental foliage.  With its vibrant green leaves and dark reddish purple veins, this one is an eye-catcher!  It works great in borders or ornamental gardens.

Young leaves can be harvested and used like lettuce with a spinach-like flavor and lemony hints. However, its older leaves can be tough and bitter tasting.  You can also cook it like spinach, chard, or similar vegetables. Also, like sweet potatoes, almonds, firm tofu, spinach, and other veggies, Bloody Dock is somewhat high in oxalic acid. Boiling or blanching and discarding the water helps reduce the acid, if this concerns you.  Eating small to moderate amounts should pose no risk or concern.

Mature size: 1 foot tall to 1 foot wide (up to 3 feet when in bloom)

Sun requirements: Most information says I need full sun but we have found that here on the Shore, this plant does best in part (dappled) shade due to our hot summer days.  If container-grown, you can do full sun until summer and move into part shade when it gets hot. When the temperatures cool down again, cut me way back and watch me spring up with new young growth that is ready for harvest!

Water & soil:  Well-draining soil.  I do not like to dry out.  Keep me consistently moist, especially when the weather turns warm.  I’m partial to cooler weather and don’t usually look as healthy in the hotter parts of the year.

Fertilizer: I don’t really need to be fertilized.  A good rule of thumb is to repot me with fresh dirt when I’ve doubled in size. This is also a good time to divide me too! Fresh dirt gives me pretty much everything I need to be happy & healthy.  If you do fertilize me, some rich compost or a regular balanced (i.e. 10 – 10 -10) mix works well.

Other Information:

• I’m a very low-maintenance plant with few disease issues.
• You may find that snails and slugs like to hang out on me, though.
• I do have a spreading habit so growing me in pots works well if this is an issue.
• Eaten in moderate – large quantities, this plant can be harmful to dogs, cats, or horses.  If you have plant nibblers, it’s best to keep this one out of reach. Better safe than sorry! 
• I do bloom between June and July, but it’s a good idea to remove my flower stalks if you don’t want me to spread and you want to encourage new leaf growth.
• I can be a little cranky when transplanted in the ground, so take extra care and be patient with me!
• I’m in the buckwheat (Polygonaceae) family!

Good companion plants: I work well with other herbs and vegetables for your fully edible garden. I’m especially friendly with strawberries.