Iron Cross

Family: Oxalidaceae Leafy Green

A whisper of tart brightness—Iron Cross wood sorrel carries a crisp, lemony snap with a delicately juicy bite.

At maturity, its cloverlike leaves form a tidy rosette, each leaflet marked by a dark, cross-shaped blotch that deepens as the plant settles into its 60-day rhythm. Grow Iron Cross for fresh, lively flavor in salads and garnishes, and for stirring into vibrant sauces or quick pickles where its tangy character shines.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Spreading

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Spreading
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	45
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Iron Cross wood sorrel delivers a clean, lemony acidity that’s best treated like citrus—fast in, fast out—so the leaves stay crisp instead of collapsing. Its juicy bite makes it a killer finishing herb for salty proteins and slick fats (olive oil, butter), where the tang keeps everything awake.

Best Uses

raw: sprinkle over composed salads so the leaves stay snappy
garnish for seafood and roast chicken—use sparingly for maximum zing
quick-pickle or brine stir-ins for a fast, acidic pop
stir into a warm pan sauce at the last second, just until glossy

Flavor Profile

tangy lemony snap juicy, crisp bite bright, slightly sour finish cloverlike leaf tenderness

Kitchen Pairings

olive oil lemon zest sea salt and flaky salt honey fresh mozzarella salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common pest or disease problem for Oxalis deppei (‘Iron Cross’) and how do I fix it?

Oxalis deppei is especially prone to crown and bulb rot when soil stays wet—this often shows up as sudden wilting and brown, mushy crowns. Let the potting mix dry slightly between waterings, remove any soft plants/crowns, and improve drainage (use a mix with lots of perlite and a pot with drainage holes); avoid spraying foliage in humid conditions to reduce spread. If you see persistent rot, restart from healthy bulbs/crowns rather than trying to save affected ones.

How often should I water Oxalis deppei during active growth?

During the ~60-day growing period, water deeply, then let the top 1–2 cm (about 1/2–3/4 in) of soil dry before watering again. In part sun, this is commonly about once every 5–10 days, but only keep watering on the dry-down cycle rather than a fixed schedule. Never let the crowns sit in standing water—consistently soggy soil is the fastest route to rot.

How can I tell when Oxalis deppei (‘Iron Cross’) is ready to harvest?

Oxalis deppei is typically grown for its foliage display rather than a single harvest; if you’re harvesting leaves, pick outer stems once plants have formed a full rosette and vigorous growth (around 8–10 weeks). Choose leaves that are fully expanded with the dark “iron cross” center pattern—avoid cutting back weak, newly emerging growth.