A detailed guide to oxalis planting methods that even beginners can easily master

Oxalis, also called sour grass, has many varieties, with more than 900 known types. Its leaves are inverted heart-shaped, its flowers are vibrant, and its ornamental value is extremely high, making it deeply loved by many people and widely planted in large quantities. In addition, the whole plant can be used as medicine, with the effects of clearing heat and draining dampness, cooling blood and dissipating stasis, and detoxifying and reducing swelling. So how should it be planted? Let's take a detailed look together.

1. Land preparation

Oxalis likes to grow in sandy soil that is loose and well-drained. Soil that is too heavy and sticky is not good for its growth, so the land should be prepared and fertilized before planting. Plow the soil 30-40 cm deep, apply organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer, then break it up finely, rake it level, and firm it. Oxalis has a high water drainage requirement, so drainage measures should be well arranged. The plot can maintain a certain slope or be ridged into beds, with drainage ditches dug to facilitate drainage.

2. Propagation

There are many varieties of oxalis, but the ones we mostly see are yellow-flowered or purple-flowered oxalis, which can be propagated by small bulbs or cuttings. Each summer, when temperatures rise, the aboveground plants begin to gradually turn yellow and wither. At this time, the underground bulbs can be dug out and stored in a cool place, then planted after the weather cools in autumn. When planting, place the bulb with the bud tip facing upward, then cover with soil. The thickness of the soil layer is generally 1-2 times that of the bulb, then water and keep the soil moist, controlling the temperature above 5°C, and wait for emergence.

3. Field management

After the seedlings emerge, management should be strengthened. First is water: it should not be watered too much, only kept moist for a long time. Generally, water again after the soil has dried completely. If watered too much, the bulbs will rot. Oxalis likes potassium fertilizer. During the seedling stage, some decomposed organic fertilizer can be applied appropriately, without needing too much, to promote its growth. In addition, oxalis likes an environment with sufficient light, so sufficient light should be provided, but exposure to intense sun should be avoided. Under sufficient light, the plants grow quickly, bloom more, and yield higher. With insufficient light, the plants are weak, bloom less, and yield lower.

4. Pests and diseases

The main pests and diseases are aphids and rust disease. Aphids generally reproduce in autumn and spring, will eat the leaves clean, and in severe cases cause plant death. They can be controlled by spraying imidacloprid. Rust disease is a fungal disease, mainly triggered by soil that is too moist or long periods of rainy weather. If not treated in time, it will cause yellow leaves or plant death. When the disease is found, the diseased plants can be pulled out and taken out of the field, then the diseased holes can be disinfected. If the disease has already spread, Cuprous can be sprayed for control.

The above are the planting methods for oxalis. I hope they can help you. If you want to learn more planting knowledge, please stay tuned to us.