My garden, alive in my pocket.
Track my garden
🌿

Yellow sorrel

Oxalis corniculata · Oxalidaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant yellow sorrel: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Evergreen, trifoliate resembling clover
Flowering
Spring to autumn, small yellow flowers
Mature size
15 to 30 cm tall, trailing habit
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Low hardiness, frost-sensitive in temperate climates
Origin
Southeast Asia, widely naturalized
Soil type
Well-draining soil, tolerant

Care

Watering

Keep the substrate slightly moist without waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter. One to two waterings per week are sufficient during the growing season, depending on how quickly the soil dries out.

Light exposure

Place your oxalis in a bright location, ideally with indirect light. It tolerates partial shade but flowers more abundantly in moderate sunlight. Avoid intense afternoon sun indoors behind glass.

Pruning and cutting

Pinch stems to encourage a more compact and bushy habit. Remove faded or damaged parts throughout the seasons. Light pruning in spring helps rejuvenate the plant.

Soil

Use a light and well-draining substrate, enriched with leaf mould or compost. Oxalis dislikes stagnant moisture; a free-draining mix is preferable.

Fertilizing

Apply balanced fertilizer every 15 to 20 days during the growing season (spring-autumn). Reduce or stop in winter when growth slows down.

Diseases and pests

Watch for spider mites and whiteflies in dry air. Excessive moisture promotes root rot and mould. Ensure good air circulation and avoid misting the foliage in winter.

Did you know?

Oxalis corniculata is nicknamed 'sorrel' in old French and has slightly tart leaves due to the presence of oxalates. Historically, several cultures consumed its fresh leaves sparingly as an acidic condiment. Today, it has become a highly invasive plant in urban and horticultural gardening, self-seeding spontaneously wherever it finds moisture.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

Add this plant to my garden →

Plants from the same family

Browse all plants →

Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.