Also known as Wood Sorrel · 123 saves
Oxalis
Oxalis, the genus most gardeners know as wood sorrel. We track 25 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Oxalis varieties
See all 25 Oxalis varieties →Search this genus →
10 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 25 most-grown of them.
The Oxalis year
- PlantApril and May72% of varieties
Plant bulbils 1-2 inches deep after the danger of hard frost has passed
- FertilizeMay–August72% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer twice during the active growing season
- DivideApril52% of varieties
Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-4 years in early spring
- Winter PrepNovember and December40% of varieties
Apply a thick layer of mulch for winter protection in the ground
- Spring CleanupMarch and April36% of varieties
Remove any dead or yellowed foliage from the previous season
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide partial shade in hot climates
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide in early spring to promote healthy growth
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
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 leaf undersides and stippled, yellowing foliage under dry, warm conditions. | Increase humidity around the plant and apply a sharp spray of water or insecticidal soap to the foliage. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and yellow stippling on the leaves under hot, dry conditions. | Increase humidity around the plant and spray with water or horticultural oil. |
| Fungal Root Rot | Wilting and browning roots | Reduce watering and improve drainage |
| Root rot | Mushy roots and wilting | Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency |
| Powdery mildew | A white, powdery fungal coating on the upper surfaces of the leaves. | Improve air circulation around the foliage and avoid overhead watering. |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage and mushy, blackened roots in wet soil. | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering frequency. |
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 25 distinct Oxalis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 123 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, 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.