Zinfandel

Family: Oxalidaceae Leafy Green

Tart as a sunlit green whisper, Zinfandel wood sorrel brings a bright, lemony tang to the garden with tender leaves that feel crisp and delicate between the fingers.

At about 60 days, plants form a low, spreading rosette of small, heart-shaped leaflets in a lively, warm green tone, offering a refreshing bite that shines in fresh salads and quick tosses, as well as in vibrant sauces and zesty garnishes. Grow it for its lively flavor and its charming, ornamental presence—an edible green you’ll want to keep within reach all season long.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 60 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 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Zinfandel wood sorrel is all about high-impact, citrusy tang and a fragile crunch—treat it like a finishing green so it doesn’t go limp. Use it at the end or in cold applications, where its tartness can cut through fat like olive oil, goat cheese, or crème fraîche.

Best Uses

raw salad toss where it stays snappy
finishing green in sandwiches and wraps to avoid wilting
stir-through sauce or quick pan glaze for a last-second citrus snap
quick pickled or brined garnish for drinks and small plates

Flavor Profile

bright lemony sourness tender crisp bite delicate, slightly grassy herbal edge

Kitchen Pairings

olive oil lemon zest garlic white fish goat cheese crème fraîche

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Oxalis deppei (Oxalis 'Iron Cross', sometimes grown as “Zinfandel”), and how do I control it?

The most common issue is fungus that shows up as soft, rotting crowns or leaves in persistently wet soil. Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy, improve drainage, and remove any yellowing/rotting plants; then treat the remaining plants with a labeled fungicide for ornamental bulbs/tubers if rot keeps spreading. Also watch for aphids and mealybugs on the tender stems—wipe them off and use insecticidal soap if you see them repeatedly.

How often should I water Oxalis deppei during its main growing phase?

Water so the top 1 inch of soil dries slightly between waterings, then water thoroughly until excess drains out—this typically means about 2–3 times per week in warm weather (less in cool, cloudy periods). In part-sun containers, check moisture more often because oxalis tubers rot if the pot stays wet. During active growth, aim for consistently moist soil but with good aeration; stop or cut back watering once foliage starts to decline near maturity (around day ~60).

How can I tell when Oxalis deppei is ready to harvest (or when it’s time to pull it)?

Oxalis deppei is ready to lift when the leaves begin to yellow and die back and the plant stops producing new growth—this usually occurs around the ~60-day mark under good conditions. Use that die-back as your signal: gently lift and check that the tubers/tuberous bulbs are firm and intact rather than soft. If you’re growing it for tubers, avoid harvesting while foliage is still green and actively growing.