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Oxalis Triangularis - what's the deal?

FireFire Posts: 19,096
edited January 2021 in Problem solving
I read all sorts of things about this plant. Some sites say it is frost tender, some says it hates direct sun, other that it likes full sun. As an indoor plant, some say it doesn't like direct sun. I have grown it indoors and it did much better for me in sun and got too leggy out of it. Many sites suggest it's fine to plant anytime indoors or out. I see comments on this forum that some people find it hard or erratic to grow, others that it's super easy.

I am making up packs for our local food bank and would like to put some kind of bulb or seed for Feb planting. Oxalis would seem to be a good possible choice as it can be grown indoors or out, relatively low upkeep, the leaves open and shut through the day (which is fn for kids) and you can eat the flowers and leaves (in small quantities).

Other than Oxalis, I was considering cress for indoor growth - good for those without a garden.

Your insights are welcome. x


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  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    My instinct would be towards cress rather than oxalis, as you say better for those without a garden and good for showing youngsters how (a very simple type of ) food is grown. I remember being fascinated at infant school when we grew cress. More years ago than l care to count, but definitely sparked an interest in growing things.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Thanks. My question was really about oxalis. We could do cress as well.
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    All of those are right really. Outdoors, preferably on the shady side, but will grow in sun too, zones 8a and upwards. As house plant in colder areas. A past owner must have bought a plant at some point. Although there is no obvious mother plant now, it pops up everywhere and despite it’s prettiness, is a real pest. It’s rampant self-seeding abilities would indicate not a good choice for the unwary.
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Sorry @Fire, l misunderstood 😳. I do like the oxalis plants, l have a very pretty pink flowered one that snuck in from my previous garden.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited January 2021
    Thanks for all your thoughts.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    We went for bulk cress buying in the end. Art and growing packs going to the local school kids and food bank. The boxes and art materials etc are all re-used, collected left over bit and bobs to make bunting, cards, mobiles and grow at home.


  • JacquimcmahonJacquimcmahon Posts: 1,039
    Great initiative, bet they will give hours of fun.
    Marne la vallée, basically just outside Paris 🇫🇷, but definitely Scottish at heart.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    There were two sets of packs done last year for the kids homeschooling and they went down really well. Chard seed last time.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    150 packs have gone out over the year to local school kids and via the local food bank, many with cress seeds. Thanks

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    That is so lovely but can i ask who eats all the take away meals to get the boxes to put them in?
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