When to Plant Oxalis? Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Precautions

Oxalis may be unfamiliar to many people. Oxalis is a plant with extremely high ornamental value; its flowers are very delicate and small, with bright colors and a long blooming period, and it is deeply loved by flower enthusiasts. However, growing oxalis requires certain skills, so how exactly should it be planted? Let's learn about the planting methods together below!

Oxalis Planting Methods and Precautions

1. Growing environment: Oxalis is generally quite cold-tolerant. Most bulbous oxalis will have no problems at around 5°C in winter, and a few can tolerate temperatures below zero. In winter, generally only on relatively cold nights do they need to be moved indoors. At other times, they can overwinter outdoors.

2. Sunlight: Bulbous oxalis all very much like sunlight. Except that they should not be exposed to harsh sunlight in early autumn, they generally must get plenty of sun in late autumn and winter. This way the plants grow quickly, bloom more, and produce a few more small bulbs. If there is insufficient sunlight, the whole plant will be weak and small, the number of flowers will decrease, and small bulb reproduction will also be affected.

3. Water: When planting bulbous oxalis, you must pay attention. Do not water too much. Even more, the potting soil must not stay moist for a long time. Generally, it is best to water only after the soil has dried out completely. If there is too much water, the bulbs will rot.

4. Fertilizer: I do not know much about fertilizer for oxalis. You can put in a few granules of slow-release fertilizer. Bulbous types all like potassium fertilizer. If the base fertilizer is organic fertilizer, it must be fully decomposed.

5. Propagation: Bulbous oxalis reproduces by producing small bulbs, but varieties such as 'Furong' and 'Changfa' can be propagated by cuttings. Cuttings are also relatively simple and have a high survival rate. After cutting, the plants will continue to grow bulbs and produce small bulbs. Flower enthusiasts who are interested can try cutting propagation.

6. Precautions: Generally, autumn-planted oxalis, once autumn arrives, depending on the region, will begin to sprout successively in August, September, and October. By August, you should frequently take out the oxalis bulbs and observe them. If they have sprouted and the sprout tips are not very long, while the weather is still very hot at this time, then wait a while. If the sprout tips are very long, do not worry about the temperature and plant them directly. Also, if the weather is already quite cool and some oxalis still has not sprouted, then there is no need to wait and they can be planted directly.

When to Plant Oxalis

Different varieties wake up at different times. In general, when the bulbs are found to have sprouted or developed roots, they can be planted. Starting from June to July each year, the bulbs of autumn-planted varieties will begin to sprout one after another. Varieties such as 'Xingxing', 'Chulian', and 'Gaoge' wake up relatively early and will sprout around July, and can be planted after sprouting. From July to September, it is best to wait until the bulbs have sprouted before planting, because during this period the temperature is relatively high and the humidity is also relatively high; planting before sprouting can easily cause the bulbs to rot in the soil. After October, most bulbs have already sprouted. At this time, bulbs that have not sprouted can also be planted, because some varieties only sprout after planting, such as 'Hudieye' and Brazil oxalis and the like.

Environmental Requirements for Oxalis Blooming

If you want oxalis to have bright flower colors and bloom more, it is not only related to the variety; care during planting is very important. Below is a discussion of the demanding requirements of the common yellow oxalis:

1. Bulbs

Usually in August, plant fresh bulbs in a pot. Be sure to choose fresh bulbs of the current year. After planting, use the soaking method to water, soaking the potting soil thoroughly. Then place the pot in a cool place and wait for sprouting.

2. Sunlight

When 3 leaves have grown (be careful to seize the timing), place the pot in a spot indoors with plenty of sunlight for care.

3. Fertilizing

An important step for blooming: 20 days after planting, apply a compound fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium once. In November, flower buds appear, and around the Spring Festival the flowers bloom in clusters, stunningly beautiful!

Note: Yellow oxalis has relatively strong adaptability, but during the growing period it needs sufficient sunlight. If potted, place it in the sunlight and try not to shade it.

How to Deal with Root Rot in Oxalis

Clean up diseased plants promptly. For milder cases, take out the bulbs, remove the rotten parts, disinfect the bulbs, and replant them. Before replanting, disinfect the potting soil and spray a fungicide. Loosen the soil regularly to enhance soil aeration. Control water and fertilizer, avoid water accumulation, and keep the potting soil moist.

The above is a summary compiled for everyone on oxalis planting techniques and precautions. I hope it can be of some help to everyone. Although oxalis flowers are beautiful, if you care for them improperly, getting them to enter full bloom is not an easy thing! So understanding oxalis cultivation techniques is necessary homework!