Candycane Oxalis

Candycane Oxalis, or candycane sorrel, are easy to grow and take care of. Set them in an area with full sun or partial shade, and soil that drains well. Keep in mind that candycane sorrel is hardy in Zones 7, 8, and 9—in colder zones, this Oxalis may only work as an annual. Or, plant your Candycane Oxalis in containers and bring the plants inside during the cold season.

After planting, Candycane Oxalis requires very little attention. Simply make sure the plants are watered during dry spells—but don't allow the soil to become soggy—and fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer at the beginning of each growing season. When the flowers begin to die back, you can deadhead the plants to tidy their appearance.

Candycane Oxalis is a popular plant for forcing, especially at the holidays, due to its bright and festive colors. They do best in greenhouse settings, but can be forced using growing lights or bright windows. These bulbs do not need to be chilled, so simply plant them six to eight inches deep in a well-draining container. Then, set the container in bright indirect light.

Oxalis can also be started indoors in colder climates. Bring your Candycane Oxalis indoors for the winter, and keep it in a low light area, watering only very occasionally, until spring. When the days begin to lengthen, pop your Oxalis in the window and start watering regularly. When warm weather arrives, set them back outside, where they will receive full sun.

Candycane Oxalis is a perennial in warm areas of the United States, including Zones 7, 8, and 9. In cooler climates, Oxalis may not come back after a hard, deeply-frozen winter. If you live in the north or Midwest, and want to keep your Oxalis for a second season, consider planting it in a container and bringing it indoors for the winter, or into a garage or basement. You can also start Oxalis in containers in springtime. They make beautiful springtime planters, and are excellent in hanging baskets!

Oxalis mainly spreads through seeds, but it can propagate through underground rhizomes. It is not a particularly fast-spreading plant, but may need to be divided after many healthy seasons. We recommend spacing your oxalis two to three inches apart.

Candycane Oxalis needs well-draining soil to thrive, and it doesn't like wet feet. You won't need to fertilize your soil heavily, but do consider adding loam or sand if your soil is very heavy.

Oxalis should emerge from the potting soil in just under a month. The flowers take about 10 weeks to appear.