Also known as Wood Sorrel · 95 saves
Oxalis
Oxalis, the genus most gardeners know as wood sorrel. We track 19 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 18 most-saved Oxalis varieties
Browse all 19 Oxalis varieties →
3 species of Oxalis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Oxalis in Sow
Save the Oxalis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Oxalis
Whats common across all Oxalis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 19 most-grown of them.
The Oxalis year
- PlantMarch and April84% of varieties
Plant bulbils 1-2 inches deep after the danger of hard frost has passed
- FertilizeApril–July84% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer twice during the active growing season
- DivideMarch63% of varieties
Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-4 years in early spring
- Winter PrepOctober and November47% of varieties
Apply a thick layer of mulch for winter protection in the ground
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Provide partial shade in hot climates
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Divide in early spring to promote healthy growth
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
- Overwater to avoid soggy roots ❌
What goes wrong with Oxalis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Fungal Root Rot | Wilting and browning roots | Reduce watering and improve drainage |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning of foliage | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Mushy roots and wilting | Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency |
| Root Rot | Wilting and browning roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf Spot | Dark spots on leaves | Remove affected foliage and improve air circulation |
Making more Oxalis
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring
- Separate clumps with clean, sharp knife
- Plant divisions immediately into prepared soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
Seeds
- Sow seeds on moist soil surface in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination over 2-3 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing after emergence.
Oxalis questions
How many types of Oxalis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 19 distinct Oxalis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 95 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Oxalis grow in?
Across its varieties, Oxalis covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Oxalis bloom?
Most Oxalis varieties bloom in early spring, late spring, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Oxalis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.