If left unchecked, oxalis can crowd out grass, reduce soil nutrients, and make your garden look messy. Fortunately, there are several methods to control and eliminate this stubborn weed.
How to Get Rid of Oxalis
1. Manual Removal
Manual removal is often the first line of defense. This method works best for small infestations or garden beds where herbicides are not suitable.
- Step 1: Water the soil lightly to soften it.
- Step 2: Use a hand trowel or garden fork to dig out the weed, making sure to remove the underground bulbs.
- Step 3: Collect all plant material and dispose of it to prevent regrowth.
Tip: Oxalis can regenerate from leftover bulbs, so it’s essential to remove as much of the root system as possible. Manual removal is most effective when done consistently over several weeks.
2. Improve Lawn Health
A healthy lawn naturally suppresses weed growth, including oxalis. Thick, healthy grass crowds out weeds and reduces their ability to establish.
- Mow regularly: Maintain your grass at the recommended height for your species.
- Fertilize appropriately: Use a balanced fertilizer to strengthen grass roots.
- Aerate the soil: Loosen compacted soil to encourage grass growth.
- Overseed: Plant new grass seeds in thin areas to reduce space for oxalis to grow.
Strong, vigorous lawns make it harder for oxalis to compete for light, water, and nutrients.
Related Lawn Weeds with Purple Flowers(5 Types + Control Methods)
3. Mulching
Mulching garden beds is an effective strategy to prevent oxalis from spreading.
- Apply a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch (like bark, straw, or compost) around plants.
- Mulch blocks sunlight from reaching oxalis seeds and slows their germination.
- Organic mulch also improves soil quality over time, supporting desirable plants.
Mulching is particularly useful in flower beds and vegetable gardens where manual removal may be challenging.
4. Herbicide Treatment
For severe infestations, chemical control can be effective. Pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides target oxalis at different stages of growth.
- Pre-emergent herbicides: Prevent oxalis seeds from germinating. Apply in early spring or late winter before new growth appears.
- Post-emergent herbicides: Target actively growing oxalis plants. Look for products containing glyphosate or triclopyr.
Safety tips: Always follow label instructions and avoid contact with desirable plants. Repeat applications may be necessary, as oxalis can be persistent.
Related Ironite for Lawns(Guide to a Greener, Healthier Yard)
5. Solarization
Soil solarization uses heat to kill oxalis seeds and bulbs in garden beds.
- Step 1: Clear the area of debris and weeds.
- Step 2: Cover the soil with clear plastic sheeting.
- Step 3: Secure the edges with soil or rocks and leave in place for 4–6 weeks during hot, sunny weather.
The heat generated under the plastic can destroy oxalis bulbs and seeds, reducing future infestations.
6. Consistency and Persistence
Oxalis control is not a one-time task. The weed has a robust growth cycle, and even a few surviving bulbs can re-establish a population. Regular monitoring and repeated removal are essential. Combining methods, for example, manual removal, mulching, and herbicide treatment, often yields the best results.
Related Best Lawn Grub Killer(Top 5 Picks 2026)
What is Oxalis?
Oxalis is a perennial weed that spreads through seeds and underground bulbs or tubers. Its leaves are trifoliate, meaning each stem has three leaflets, which often fold up at night. Oxalis thrives in a variety of soil types but prefers moist, well-drained soil and partially shaded areas. The weed produces small, funnel-shaped flowers, most commonly yellow, pink, or white, depending on the species.
Understanding its growth habits is crucial for effective control. Oxalis is resilient and can regrow quickly if only partially removed, which makes prevention and persistence key in management.
How to Identify Oxalis in Your Garden
Before you can remove oxalis, you must correctly identify it. Some distinguishing features include:
- Leaves: Heart-shaped, clover-like leaves that fold at night.
- Flowers: Small, five-petaled flowers, usually yellow, pink, or white.
- Growth pattern: Spreads via seeds and underground bulbs, forming dense patches.
- Stem: Thin and often reddish at the base.
Oxalis can resemble clover, but the leaf shape and flower structure are slightly different. Correct identification helps prevent accidentally removing desirable plants.
Related Best Milky Spore Product(Top 5 Best Picks 2026)
Prevention Tips
Preventing oxalis is easier than controlling a full-blown infestation. Some preventative strategies include:
- Avoid introducing infested soil or mulch into your garden.
- Inspect plants before planting them in your garden.
- Maintain a dense lawn to reduce space for weeds.
- Remove oxalis promptly before it produces seeds to prevent spreading.
FAQs
How do you kill oxalis naturally?
Natural methods to kill oxalis include manual removal, solarization, and natural herbicides. Pulling the weed by hand ensures you remove the underground bulbs, which is crucial since oxalis can regrow from any remaining bulb. Mulching to block sunlight and using boiling water or vinegar sprays on leaves can also help. Consistency is key, repeat treatments are often necessary.
Does vinegar kill oxalis?
Yes, vinegar can kill oxalis by burning its leaves. Use a concentrated vinegar solution (20% horticultural vinegar works best) and apply directly to the plant on a sunny day for maximum effect. While vinegar damages the foliage, it may not always reach underground bulbs, so multiple applications may be needed to fully control the weed.
What is the best killer for oxalis?
The most effective oxalis killers are glyphosate-based herbicides or products containing triclopyr. These systemic herbicides penetrate the plant and reach the underground bulbs, making them more effective than natural methods. Always follow the product label carefully to protect surrounding plants.
Is oxalis hard to get rid of?
Yes, oxalis is notoriously hard to get rid of. Its ability to regrow from underground bulbs and spread through seeds makes it persistent. Combining multiple control methods, manual removal, chemical treatments, and lawn care, is usually the fastest way to achieve long-term results.
Will boiling water kill oxalis?
Boiling water can kill oxalis leaves and stems on contact. Pour it directly over the plants, but keep in mind it may not destroy the bulbs underground. Repeated applications are often necessary to prevent regrowth.
Will vinegar kill weeds permanently?
Vinegar can kill the visible parts of weeds like oxalis, but it rarely kills underground bulbs or roots completely. For permanent control, vinegar should be combined with manual removal, proper mulching, and ongoing lawn or garden maintenance.
Final words
Getting rid of oxalis requires patience, persistence, and a combination of strategies. Manual removal, lawn care, mulching, herbicides, and solarization all have their roles in controlling this stubborn weed. Prevention is equally important to stop new infestations from taking hold. By understanding the biology of oxalis and implementing consistent control measures, you can restore the health and beauty of your lawn and garden.
