Oxalis 'Iron Cross

Family: Oxalidaceae Leafy Green

Tart as a fresh lemon—yet delicate and bright—Oxalis ‘Iron Cross’ forms a low, jewel-like rosette that tastes lively and clean.

Its leaves carry a dramatic, dark center cross over cool green, with a crisp, tender bite that’s prized for quick, vivid garnishing and for stirring into bright, tangy blends. Grow it for a fast 30-day payoff of ornamental charm and naturally zesty flavor in the garden bed or container.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 30 DaysHabit: Clumping

Botanical illustration of Oxalis 'Iron Cross

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	May 25th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	30
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Oxalis ‘Iron Cross’ delivers genuine lemony snap with a delicate, cool crunch—best treated like fresh citrus zest you can actually chew. Add it at the end so it doesn’t wilt away its brightness.

Best Uses

finish salads right before serving to keep the leaves snappy
fold into herb-tangy sauces and quick dressings (like yogurt or crème fraîche blends)
sprinkle as a last-minute garnish on tacos, roasted chicken, or fried fish
stir into chilled soups or cucumber baths for a sharp, refreshing lift

Flavor Profile

lemony tartness crisp tender bite cool, clean brightness

Kitchen Pairings

crème fraîche yogurt cucumber salmon fennel black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Oxalis deppei (wood sorrel), and how do I treat it?

A frequent problem is fungus or bacterial rot at the crown when soils stay wet—look for blackened stems, soft leaves, and a sour smell. Remove any rotting plants, improve drainage, and water only when the top 1–2 cm of soil dries; if rot keeps spreading, discard affected clumps rather than trying to “save” them. Watch also for aphids on new growth—spray with a strong jet of water and repeat every 2–3 days for a week, or use insecticidal soap if needed.

How often should I water Oxalis deppei during its main growing phase (about the first month)?

Keep moisture steady but not soggy: water when the top layer (about 1–2 cm) has dried out, which is often every 3–5 days in warm weather and less often in cool, cloudy conditions. Use well-draining soil and never allow water to pool around the crown, because Oxalis deppei is prone to crown rot in persistently wet media. In part sun, aim for lightly moist soil during active growth and slightly drier conditions as it finishes its ~30-day cycle.

How can I tell when Oxalis deppei is ready to harvest (about 30 days)?

Oxalis deppei is ready to harvest when it forms a full rosette and new leaves are actively emerging, typically around 30 days from planting. Harvest by snipping outer leaves/leaflets first; if the plant is still producing fresh shoots, you can take more rather than waiting for full senescence. Avoid cutting so low that you damage the central crown, which reduces regrowth.