How to Grow Dandelion: A Superplant for Health

Recently, I faced food poisoning, and my friend recommended dandelion tea. Luckily, it is available in my garden.

After two weeks of daily consumption, my diarrhea symptoms significantly improved. It’s a shame that I disrespect this plant and find ways to remove it.

Gradually, I changed my view of this common garden weed into a valuable health herb.

However, many people don’t realize the pros of this plant, so today I decided to share its benefits and growing guides.

 

What is Dandelion?

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a versatile and resilient plant. It is native to Eurasia but has become naturalized across many other regions, including North America.

Its leaves (2-10 in) are simple and range from lobed to deeply cut, forming a basal rosette above the taproot. The flower heads, which are yellow to orange, open during the day and close at night.

Their tiny flowers are clustered together to form a composite flower head. Then, it develops into round seed heads, each containing numerous single-seed fruits.

This plant lives in temperate areas and is commonly found in gardens, yards, roadside areas, crop fields, and various other environments.

 

Benefits of Dandelion

Dandelion is highly recommended for tea, salads, sautéing, soups, or juicing. Its greens offer an earthy and slightly bitter taste.

Research in 2014 suggests that dandelion greens rank among the most nutrient-rich greens available.

In per 100g, dandelion is 1.59x more dietary fiber, 1.61x more vitamin K, 24.56% more vitamin C, 8.36% more vitamin A (IU), and 1.69x more vitamin E than in spinach.

In her book Eating on the Wild Side, writer Jo Robinson says that compared to spinach, dandelion leaves have “eight times more antioxidants, two times more calcium.”

Dandelions possess prebiotic fibers that stimulate the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria. It also diminishes skin inflammation and fosters the restoration of the skin barrier.

Besides, this herb contains compounds such as chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, and particularly taraxasterol, combating obesity and high-fat diets.

A study in the journal Oncotarget found that a water-based extract of dandelion root slowed the multiplication and spread of colon cancer cells in test tubes.

 

Propagation

Option 1: Sow Dandelion Seeds Indoors

1. Start seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost date*.
2. Use a deep tray or pots filled with moist potting soil.
3. Sow seeds 1.5 inches apart and lightly cover them with soil.
4. Place in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist.
5. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 21 days.
6. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they reach 3-4 inches tall.

*The last frost date is the average final spring frost in your growing location*.

 

Option 2: Sow Dandelion Seeds Outdoors

1. Plant seeds after the last hard frost when soil temperatures are at least 50°F.
2. Space seeds 6 to 12 inches apart or sprinkle on the soil surface and thin later.
3. 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 planting spot with loose, well-draining soil and partial to full shade.

Look for seeds that are free from any signs of damage or mold. Opt for seeds from reputable sources or those labeled as organic to ensure quality.

 

2. How to Grow Dandelion

Observing the growth with minimal care. Dandelion is an easy-to-cultivate green.

Allow dandelions to thrive naturally.

 

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.

Dandelions like fertile soil but you can also grow in poor soil with compost amendments. It’s better for you to regularly water for optimal taste.

Remember to steer clear of mulching as it prevents the sunlight necessary for dandelion seeds to sprout.

You may know:

Dandelions seldom face pest or disease issues, yet they are a favorite food of rabbits. 

Rabbits can consume both the leaves and flowers. Especially, they find the slight bitterness appealing.

 

Harvest

To harvest dandelions, gather the baby leaves in spring or pluck the leaves and flowers throughout the growing season.

Cut the leaves near the roots and discard the stalks. Harvest the roots from a two-year-old plant.

Tips:

• To reduce the bitterness of mature dandelions, grow them in partial shade or cover rosettes with plastic or cardboard before harvest.
• Harvest flowers for brewing beer or making wine.

 

Preservation

Store fresh dandelion leaves and flowers in the fridge. Remember to consume them within three days of harvest for optimal freshness.

For drying leaves, you can bundle them and hang them upside down in a shaded area. To dry flowers, remove stems and dehydrate them at 86-104°F until crispy.

For long-term storage, chop cleaned roots into one- to two-inch sections and air dry or dehydrate at 95°F until brittle.

Roast dried roots in a 200°F oven for four hours, grind, and use as a coffee substitute.

Growing dandelion at home is an interesting experience. Try to grow this plant with your children next weekend. If you have any questions, contact us right away. We are willing to answer yours.

The team at Garden and Crafty are not healthcare experts, and this content should not be viewed as medical guidance meant to evaluate, diagnose, prescribe, or guarantee healing. Garden and Crafty and Ask the Experts, LLC are not responsible for any consequences resulting from the application or misapplication of the information provided. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before altering your diet or using plant-based treatments or supplements for health and wellness purposes.