Despite the fact that you could consider this herbal perennial as a weed, planting dandelions in your own backyard is a simple and easy process. A common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a flowering, perennial herb with wide leaves belonging to the Asteraceae family.
Yellow flowers are produced by dandelion plants, and these flowers open to reveal a white puffball, or pappus, often known as the seed head or "blowball." The wind naturally carries the fuzzy pappus parts, which helps in dispersing the seeds needed for reproduction.
Dandelions may be considered weeds, although their flowers, leaves, and roots are edible by humans. The roots can be used to make tea, while the flowers and leaves can be used for salads and sautéed dishes. Additionally, dandelions are a simple plant to grow in your garden because they grow quickly without much care in most types of temperatures.
Prepare your Planting Spot
Although dandelion seeds can grow in a variety of light and soil conditions, they typically do best in loose, fertile soil that drains well. While a sunny location would seem like the best option, if you're growing dandelion for feed, try to pick a spot with some shade, preferably full shade. Their growth will be slowed in a more shaded area, and the full sun will keep the dandelion leaves from becoming very bitter.
Sow your Seed
Six weeks before the spring's last frost, directly plant your dandelion seeds into the soil of your garden. At least 50 degrees Fahrenheit should be felt on the ground. To help the sunlight germinate the seeds, plant them a quarter of an inch below the soil's surface. If you are sowing your seeds in rows, space the rows approximately a foot apart and sow each seed a few inches apart.
Plant Thinning
Dandelion plants can develop into six-inch-tall bunches that are six inches wide. To avoid overgrowth, thin your dandelions back to about six inches between each plant once they have sprouted a few inches above the soil surface.
How to Harvest Dandelions Plant?
Make sure the area you're harvesting your dandelions is clear of animal waste if you don't have a designated garden bed or container for them. Only the cleanest and healthiest-appearing dandelion flowers should be harvested and eaten. Don't pick dandelions in areas that have been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.
Cut your flowers and leaves
Use a clean pair of scissors to cut the dandelion head just below the flower, leaving a small portion of the stem still attached. Put the stems of the blossoms in cold water if they are already open to prevent them from closing before you are ready to utilize them. You may also remove the young leaves from the stem in the middle and use them in salads.
How to Take Care of Dandelion Plant
Dandelions are self-pollinated and don't need a lot of maintenance. Typically, it takes more work to get rid of them than it does to keep them growing. To maintain your dandelions, check the simple instructions below.
Water them regularly
In order to keep dandelions hydrated, you should water them frequently because they prefer moist soil. Before each watering, make sure the top two inches of the soil are dry.
Observe the sunlight
When you are cultivating dandelions, make sure they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you intend to eat the greens after they have established themselves, make sure they have access to lots of shade.
Avoid mulching
Although mulching is a common weed-control method, it obstructs the light dandelions need to develop their seeds. Avoid using mulch on your dandelions.
