When I was a child growing up in the countryside, my friends and I used to blow seeds from dandelion heads. This normal plant brought an exciting game.
Recently, I experienced food poisoning, and a friend recommended dandelion tea. Luckily, I had some growing in my garden.
After two weeks of daily use, my symptoms improved significantly. This experience changed my view of dandelions from mere weeds to valuable health herbs.
Dandelions are not only edible and healthy but also provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other insects early in the growing season.
About Dandelion
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a versatile and resilient plant. Also known as lion’s tooth, blowball, or cankerwort, it thrives primarily in temperate regions.
Native to Eurasia, it has naturalized across many areas, including North America, and is commonly found in meadows, lawns, gardens, and roadsides.
Its leaves, ranging from 2-10 inches, have toothed edges and a bitter taste. The yellow to orange flower heads, composed of ray florets, bloom vibrantly from spring to autumn.
The hollow stems contain latex and support the flower heads, which eventually develop into pappus and round seed heads, each containing numerous single-seed fruits.
Benefits of Dandelion
Dandelion is highly recommended for tea, salads, sautéing, soups, or juicing, offering an earthy and slightly bitter taste.
Research in 2014 suggests that dandelion greens rank among the most nutrient-rich available, surpassing spinach in dietary fiber, vitamins K, C, A, and E.
According to Jo Robinson in Eating on the Wild Side, dandelion leaves have “eight times more antioxidants, two times more calcium” than spinach.
They possess prebiotic fibers that stimulate beneficial gut bacteria and compounds like chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, and taraxasterol, which combat obesity and high-fat diets.
A study in Oncotarget found that dandelion root extract slowed the spread of colon cancer cells in test tubes, contributing positively to an anti-cancer drug.
Propagation
Option 1: Sow Dandelion Seeds Indoors
- Start seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost date.
- Use deep trays or pots filled with moist potting soil.
- Sow seeds 1.5 inches apart and lightly cover with soil.
- Place in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist.
- Germination occurs within 7 to 21 days.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors when they reach 3-4 inches tall.
Option 2: Sow Dandelion Seeds Outdoors
- Plant seeds after the last hard frost when soil temperatures are at least 50°F.
- Space seeds 6 to 12 inches apart or sprinkle on the soil surface and thin later.
- For baby greens, sow or thin to 3 inches apart.
Notes: Sow directly from March to September. The ideal soil temperature for germination ranges between 50-75°F.
How to Grow and Care Dandelion
How to Grow Dandelion
1. Preparation
Choose a spot with loose, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. Opt for high-quality seeds from reputable sources.
2. How to Grow Dandelion
Dandelions are easy to cultivate and thrive with minimal care. Allow them to grow naturally in a sunny or partially shaded spot.
How to Care Dandelion
Dandelions thrive in full sun but produce the best greens in part shade. They prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8 but can tolerate a range from 6.0 to 8.5.
Regular watering improves taste, but avoid mulching, as it prevents sunlight from reaching the seeds.
Dandelions rarely face pest or disease issues, though rabbits enjoy eating the leaves and flowers.
Harvest
Gather baby leaves in spring or pluck leaves and flowers throughout the growing season. Cut leaves near the roots and discard stalks.
Harvest roots from two-year-old plants. To reduce bitterness, grow in partial shade or cover rosettes before harvest. Use flowers for brewing beer or making best wine.
Preservation
Store fresh leaves and flowers in the fridge and consume them within three days.
Dry leaves by bundling and hanging them upside down in a shaded area. Dehydrate flowers at 86-104°F until crispy.
For long-term storage, chop roots into sections, air dry or dehydrate at 95°F until brittle, roast in a 200°F oven for four hours, grind, and use as a perfect coffee substitute.
Growing dandelions at home is an enriching experience. Try planting this superplant with your children this weekend. We’re happy to answer your questions!
