Oxalis Iron Cross Some of the Weirdest Looking Bulbs Out There

Oxalis Iron Cross Bulb may show a reverse iron cross also as shown in 2nd image

Oxalis Iron Cross When you open a bag of oxalis bulbs you may be surprised. No, we didn’t ship you a handful of pudgy sticks or undernourished pinecones. Honest. (Iron Cross bulbs look pretty normal, like typical little bulbs.) These funny-looking bulbs will produce foliage and flowers in just 8-10 weeks. Really. This is just one of those horticultural leaps of faith you’ll have to trust us the first time around. After that, you’ll be in the know and can pass a few pudgy sticks on to friends and watch their reactions. Planting oxalis Zinfindel and Molten Lava, too? Here’s the info you’ll want to get those beauties off to a good start.

Outdoor Beds

1. Find a location where the soil drains well. If there are still water puddles 5-6 hours of soil, choose another spot. These bulbs will not survive in soggy soil or standing water.
2. Site your oxalis where they will get full-day sun. They will also grow in light shade but will produce more flowers in stronger light. And for triangular, the purple foliage color will be more brilliant in strong light.
3. Dig little holes and plant the bulbs 1”-1 1/2” deep and 3”-4” apart. Just poke them down in the soil, don’t worry about which side is up. They’ll grow from any position.
4. After planting, water well, gently soaking the soil and settling it around the bulbs. Foliage will begin to appear in just a few weeks and flowers in 6-8 weeks. Water as needed during active growth periods; about 1″ of total moisture per week is a good general estimate.
5. After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don’t cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight, create food through photosynthesis, and strengthen the bulb for the future.
6. Late in the summer or in fall the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy. Foliage may be removed at this point. Your oxalis will rest for a while beginning the next growing cycle in early spring.

Pots, Barrels, Tubs & Urns

1. Fill your containers with good quality, well-drained soil. Almost any commercially available potting medium will work fine. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes; bulbs must never sit in soggy soil or standing water. >
2. Site your oxalis where they will get full-day sun. They will also grow in light shade but will produce more flowers in stronger light. Consider potting up a few bulbs for indoor enjoyment as many types of oxalis are good choices for windowsills.
3. Dig little holes and plant the bulbs 1”-1 1/2” deep and 3”-4” apart. Just poke them down in the soil, don’t worry about which side is up. They’ll grow from any position.
4. After planting, water well, gently soaking the soil and settling it around the bulbs. Foliage will begin to appear in just a few weeks and flowers in 6-8 weeks.
5. After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don’t cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight, create food through photosynthesis, and strengthen the bulb for the future. Water as needed during active growth periods; about 1″ of total moisture per week is a good general estimate.
6. Late in the summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy. Foliage may be removed at this point. Your oxalis will rest for a month or two before beginning the next growing cycle.

Quantity tips:

1. For 12-15” pots – plant 15
2. For 10” pots – plant 10
3. For 8” pots – plant 6