Wood Sorrel

Family: Oxalidaceae Leafy Green

Delicate, lemon-bright leaves unfold like tiny shamrocks, carrying a pleasantly tart, apple-cider tang that feels instantly refreshing.

At about 40 days, Wood Sorrel forms a neat, low mat of tender foliage with a crisp, juicy bite—ideal for brightening salads and adding a lively spark to fresh greens, sauces, and quick pickling-style preparations. Grow it for its vivid flavor and its charming, woodland elegance that makes every harvest feel like a small discovery.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 40 DaysHabit: Clumping

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 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Wood sorrel tastes like a tiny lemon—bright, fast, and snappy—so it belongs in dishes that honor acidity rather than bury it. Add it last, and keep the seasoning simple (oil, salt, a touch of sweetness) so its crisp, cider-like tang reads clearly on the palate.

Best Uses

shaved into summer salads where it stays snappy under light vinaigrette
stirred into soft herb sauces and quick blends at the end for clean acidity
folded into yogurt or labneh with salt and olive oil for a tangy spoonful
briefly tossed into warm grains (quinoa, farro) off-heat to keep the bite

Flavor Profile

lemon-bright tartness apple-cider tang tender, crisp, juicy bite finely acidic finish

Kitchen Pairings

olive oil goat cheese honey salted butter roasted chicken hard-boiled egg

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most common on Oxalis acetosella (wood sorrel), and how do I manage it?

Oxalis acetosella is prone to fungal leaf spots and occasional botrytis-like problems in cool, consistently damp conditions. Water at the soil line, improve airflow around the plants, and remove any spotted leaves promptly; if the problem keeps spreading, use a copper-based fungicide labeled for ornamental foliage plants and follow the label closely. Avoid overhead watering because wet leaves are what drive the spotting on this species.

How often should I water wood sorrel during its main growing phase?

During active growth, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for consistently damp soil about 1–2 inches down. In part-sun beds, this often means watering roughly once or twice per week depending on your soil and weather, but always adjust to avoid standing water. If the soil stays soggy, Oxalis can decline; if it dries out completely, growth stalls and leaves may yellow.

How can I tell when Oxalis acetosella is ready to harvest?

For wood sorrel, harvest when the leaves have formed a strong, healthy clump and individual leaflets are fully expanded (you’ll typically see this around the 40-day mark). Pick leaves in the morning for best flavor, taking only a portion of the foliage so the crown can keep producing. Stop harvesting if the plants become weak or flowering/leaf vigor drops, because heavy cutting can reduce the next flush.