Heirloom Chukka Kura Seeds (Rumex vesicarius) – Indian Sorrel / Gongura Alternative
Grow the tangy flavor of traditional South Indian cooking with Chukka Kura!
Chukka Kura (Rumex vesicarius), also known as Indian Sorrel or Bladder Dock, is a beloved leafy green used across South India for its distinctive bright, lemony-tart flavor. The tender leaves are widely used in chutneys, dal, stir-fries, and traditional curries, adding a refreshing sour taste that enhances many dishes.
At Inherited Seeds, our Chukka Kura seeds are organically grown in the Midwest plains of the USA, carefully selected for vigor, flavor, and reliable germination.
This fast-growing leafy green thrives in warm climates and produces abundant harvests of tender leaves that can be picked repeatedly throughout the season.
Why Grow Chukka Kura?
- Authentic South Indian heirloom leafy green
- Unique tangy, sour flavor similar to sorrel or gongura
- Fast growing and easy to cultivate
- Continuous harvest – pick leaves multiple times
- Excellent for dal, chutneys, pickles, and stir-fries
- Thrives in containers, raised beds, and gardens
Plant Profile
Botanical Name: Rumex vesicarius
Plant Type: Annual leafy green
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Days to Harvest: 30–40 days for young leaves
Plant Height: 12–24 inches
Flavor: Bright, lemony, tangy
International Names
This traditional leafy green is known by many names worldwide:
• Chukka Kura – Telugu
• Khatta Palak / Khatta Saag – Hindi
• Indian Sorrel – English
• Bladder Dock – Botanical common name
• Sorrel Spinach
Additional Indian Regional Names
Hindi:
- Chooka / Chuka चूका
- Khatta Palak खट्टा पालक
- Chukra सुक्कर
Marathi:
- Amlavetasa आम्लवेतस
- Chuka भाजी
Gujarati:
- Khatto Palak ખાટું પાલક
- Chukko શાક
Kannada:
- Chukki Soppu ಚುಕ್ಕಿ ಸೊಪ್ಪು
- Pull Soppu
Telugu:
- Chukka Kura చుక్కకూర
- Pulichinta Kura
Tamil:
- Cukkan Keerai சுக்கங்கீரை
- Pulicha Keerai
Malayalam:
- Chukka Cheera ചുക്ക ചീര
- Pulicha Cheera
Bengali:
- Bon Palong বন পালং
- Tok Palong
Other Asian & International Names
English:
- Bladder Dock
- Sorrel Dock
- Red Sorrel
- Sour Dock
Arabic:
- Hummaida حمّيضه
- Hommaid
Persian (Iran):
- Torshak ترشک
Urdu:
- Chuka چوکا
Nepal:
- Chuka Saag
African regions:
- Red Sorrel
- Sour Leaf Dock
Growing Instructions
- Sowing: Direct sow seeds outdoors after frost or start indoors 3–4 weeks earlier.
- Seed Depth: ¼ inch deep
- Spacing: 6–10 inches between plants
- Germination: 7–14 days in warm soil
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist but well drained
- Harvest: Begin harvesting young leaves when plants reach 6–8 inches tall.
Regular harvesting encourages new tender leaf growth throughout the season.
Harvest Tips
Harvest the outer leaves first, allowing the center to continue producing. Frequent harvesting results in lush leafy growth and prolonged production.
Perfect For
• South Indian cooking
• Gongura-style chutneys
• Tangy dal recipes
• Fresh salads and sautéed greens
• Home gardeners seeking unique heirloom vegetables
Seed Quality
At Inherited Seeds, we are passionate about preserving traditional varieties.
• Open-pollinated heirloom seeds
• Fresh harvest for high germination