Patience dock (Rumex patentia)
Also called Herb patience, this is mildest of all the sorrels. The leaves are only slightly acidic with a taste and texture that is nearer to spinach than the others.
It is unfussy about soil or situation, through it prefers sun or part shade; hardy to -20°C.
Originating from Southern Europe patience dock was highly regarded by the ancient Greeks and Romans, and remains a French favourite today. In spring it is still often consumed as a leaf vegetable especially in France, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Serbia. It is one of the first frost-tolerant greens to appear in early spring.
Leaves can grow up to four feet tall given good soil, but they are best cut when they are young and tender, just 10 to 15cm tall. If you cut back plants regularly they will produce tender leaves throughout summer and winter. Remove flowers before they mature to keep the plants producing new leaves into the autumn.
Sowing and growing
Patience dock is very easy to grow from seed. Sow in Spring or in Autumn to overwinter. Sow the tiny seeds 5mm deep in rows or scattered thinly. Once the seedlings have germinated and they are large enough to handle, thin them to 7cm apart. A few weeks later, thin the remaining seedlings again so there is 25cm between each one.
Further propagation
Mature plants can be dug up and divided every three years or so. This maintains vigour as well as giving you more plants. They will also self-seed prolifically if the flowers are not cut back.
It is unfussy about soil or situation, through it prefers sun or part shade; hardy to -20°C.
Originating from Southern Europe patience dock was highly regarded by the ancient Greeks and Romans, and remains a French favourite today. In spring it is still often consumed as a leaf vegetable especially in France, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Serbia. It is one of the first frost-tolerant greens to appear in early spring.
Leaves can grow up to four feet tall given good soil, but they are best cut when they are young and tender, just 10 to 15cm tall. If you cut back plants regularly they will produce tender leaves throughout summer and winter. Remove flowers before they mature to keep the plants producing new leaves into the autumn.
Sowing and growing
Patience dock is very easy to grow from seed. Sow in Spring or in Autumn to overwinter. Sow the tiny seeds 5mm deep in rows or scattered thinly. Once the seedlings have germinated and they are large enough to handle, thin them to 7cm apart. A few weeks later, thin the remaining seedlings again so there is 25cm between each one.
Further propagation
Mature plants can be dug up and divided every three years or so. This maintains vigour as well as giving you more plants. They will also self-seed prolifically if the flowers are not cut back.
