Oxalis Planting Guide

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Planting Pudgy Sticks

When you open a bag of oxalis regnelli or triangularis you may be surprised. No, we didn't ship you a handful of pudgy sticks or undernourished pinecones. Honest. (Iron Cross bulbs look pretty normal, like typical little bulbs.) These funny looking bulbs will produce foliage and flowers in just 8-10 weeks. Really. This is just one of those horticultural leaps of faith you'll have to trust us on the first time around. After that, you'll be in the know and can pass a few pudgy sticks on to friends and watch their reactions.

Planting oxalis Grand Duchess types, too? Here's the info you'll want to get those beauties off to a good start.

Oxalis Grand Duchess Planting Guide

Outdoor Beds

1. Find a location where the soil drains well. If there are still water puddles 5-6 hours af soil, choose another spot. These bulbs will not survive in soggy soil or standing water.
2. Site your oxalis where they will get full day sun. They will also grow in light shade, but will produce more flowers in stronger light. And for triangularis, the purple foliage color will be more brilliant in strong light.
3. Dig little holes and plant the bulbs 1”-1 1/2” deep and 3”-4” apart. Just poke them down in the soil, don't worry about which side is up. They'll grow from any position.
4. After planting, water well, gently soaking the soil and settling it around the bulbs. Foliage will form in about 6 weeks and flowers in 8-10 weeks. Water as needed during active growth periods; about 1" of moisture per week is a good general estimate. 
5. After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight, create food through photosynthesis and strengthen the bulb for the future. Water as needed during active growth periods; about 1" of moisture per week is a good general estimate. 
6. Late in the summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy. Foliage many be removed at this point. Your oxalis will rest for a month or two before beginning the next growing cycle.

Pots, Barrels, Tubs & Urns

1. Fill your containers with good quality, well-drained soil. Almost any commercially available potting medium will work fine. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes; bulbs must never sit in waterlogged soil or they will rot.
2. Site your oxalis where they will get full day sun. They will also grow in light shade, but will produce more flowers in stronger light. Consider potting up a few bulbs for indoor enjoyment as these are good choices for windowsills.
3. Dig little holes and plant the bulbs 1”-1 1/2” deep and 3”-4” apart. Just poke them down in the soil, don't worry about which side is up. They'll grow from any position.
4. After planting, water well, gently soaking the soil and settling it around the bulbs. Foliage will form in about 6 weeks and flowers in 8-10 weeks.
5. After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight, create food through photosynthesis and strengthen the bulb for the future. Water as needed during active growth periods; about 1" of moisture per week is a good general estimate. 
6. Late in the summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy. Foliage many be removed at this point. Your oxalis will rest for a month or two before beginning the next growing cycle.

 

Quantity tips:

For 12-15” pots - plant 15

For 10” pots - plant 10

For 8” pots - plant 5

 

Note: For indoor growing and windowsill decorations we recommend oxalis regnelli. Half day sun is usually sufficient. Oxalis triangularis can also be grown as a houseplant where it will develop a taller, more open form than it does outdoors.