How to Grow Oxalis
Oxalis tetraphylla
When to Start
Plant directly outdoors once soil temperature reaches 10°C. No seed starting needed — grow from bulbs, tubers, or sets.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Balanced liquid feed every 2-3 weeks during active growth and flowering.
- Plant bulbs 5cm deep in spring after last frost. Ideal for borders, rockeries, and containers. The distinctive four-leaf clover shape with dark cross markings makes this a charming ornamental.
Companion Planting
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Growing Conditions
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- Direct sow
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- First harvest
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 12 cm |
| Row spacing | 18 cm |
| Sow depth | 5 cm |
| Mature height | 15 cm |
| Mature spread | 20 cm |
Plant bulbs 5cm deep and 10-15cm apart in groups for best effect. Works well in containers.
Care Guide
- Feeding
- Balanced liquid feed every 2-3 weeks during active growth and flowering.
- Watch for
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- Vine weevil larvae
- Slugs
- Aphids
- Rust
Pests & Diseases
Pest Vine Weevil
Identification: Adults cause notched leaf edges; white C-shaped larvae found in soil around damaged bulbs. Plants suddenly wilt and collapse when larvae sever roots and eat into bulbs
- Apply biological control nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in spring or autumn when soil is warm
- Check containers in autumn and remove any larvae found
- Use sticky barriers around pot rims to trap adult weevils at night
- Drench compost with acetamiprid-based vine weevil killer in late summer
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Irregular holes in leaves and young shoots eaten; slime trails visible around plants
- Apply organic slug pellets (ferric phosphate) around emerging shoots
- Use copper tape barriers around containers
- Encourage natural predators such as hedgehogs and ground beetles
- Ferric phosphate-based pellets
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green or black insects on young leaves and flower stems, causing distorted growth
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Spray with fatty acid-based insecticide
- Encourage ladybirds and hoverflies
- Spray with a contact insecticide if infestation is severe
Disease Bulb Rot
Symptoms: Soft, mushy bulbs with foul smell; yellowing and wilting foliage; plant fails to emerge in spring
Treatment: Destroy affected bulbs. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering
Prevention: Ensure well-drained soil or compost. Do not overwater. Dry bulbs thoroughly before winter storage. Inspect stored bulbs regularly and discard any showing signs of rot
Disease Oxalis Rust Puccinia oxalidis
Symptoms: Small orange-brown pustules on the undersides of leaves; yellowing and premature leaf drop
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Improve air circulation around plants
Prevention: Avoid overhead watering. Space plants well for good air circulation. Remove fallen debris
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 10°C |
| Germination temperature | 15–22°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Oxalis?
- Plant Oxalis 12cm apart with 18cm between rows.
- When does Oxalis flower?
- Oxalis typically flowers approximately 65 days after transplanting.
- Is Oxalis frost hardy?
- Oxalis is classified as Half Hardy.
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