Tips on how to Grow and Care for Dandelions
A plant that I have heard so much about over the years is dandelions in fact from a very young age the name of this plant was one that I was all too familiar with. There is a preschool that is named after this plant (dandelion preschool) that two of my sons attended at one time. The dandelion is a popular plant among gardeners and has been hailed as being a weed that will take over your lawn if not properly managed but what I have discovered is dandelions are a good source of nutrients that will help greatly in promoting our health.
The dandelion plant can be eaten entirely from the leaves to the stems, flowers, and even the roots. This plant can be viewed as a wonder plant that has so many benefits.
Below we will be going more in-depth with the dandelion plant that has gained so much popularity which on one hand is said to make a negative impact but on the other hand have so many positive that it can be both a garden’s dream or nightmare. For more on the growth and the care of the dandelion along with other amazing facts let’s take a closer look.
The planting location
Although dandelions can thrive in just about any light the ideal condition is to install your dandelions in full sunlight.
The soil type
Because of their hardiness dandelions can grow in just about any soil type, this plant is tough and will adjust to the poorest of soils.
Sowing dandelion seeds
Once you have prepared the planting site broadcast or toss the seeds over the soil. With a rake gently rake the soil to cover the seeds. Don’t plant seeds deeply because the seeds need contact with the sunlight to germinate, half-inch in the soil is ideal.
Once your dandelions have reached about 3ft they should be thin between 8-10 inches. The picked or harvested dandelion can be eaten by adding to salads.
Water requirements for dandelions
The soil of dandelions should not be waterlogged but keep somewhat moist.
Garden insect pests of dandelions
To my surprise dandelions don’t have any major pest issues except for slugs and snails that will seek to make a meal out of them. The use of snail bait or handpicking them and throwing them in a bucket of soap and water will cause elimination. The use of eggshells has been known to keep snails and slugs out of the garden along with these other benefits.
Disease of dandelions
overwatering will lead to root rot, there have also been complaints of dandelions developing powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a powdery white substance that forms on the leaves, this issue is encouraged by high humidity and poor air circulation. To prevent powdery mildew avoid overhead irrigation, give plants proper spacing along with the use of a fungicide will also offer help.
Growing dandelions in containers from seeds
1. A container that’s 6inch or larger will do, the container should have drain holes for water to drain.
2. A potting soil that’s moist is ideal.
3. Lightly sprinkle a few seeds on the soil’s surface followed by sprinkling potting soil to cover the seeds
4. The soil should be somewhat moist at all times but not waterlogged which can lead to root rot.
5. The container should be placed in an area that gets bright sunlight indoors.
6. Once dandelions reach anywhere from 4-6 inches the use of a light general all-purpose fertilizer applied once every two weeks is ideal.
7. Dandelions that have reached 8 inches can be harvested, as the leaves mature they will become tough and bitter.
Health facts of dandelions
1. The roots of the dandelions have been known to treat liver and stomach issues.
2. Dandelion flowers contain antioxidant which will rid the body of free radical.
3. May lower blood pressure.
4. The components in dandelion are believed to promote liver health.
5. Has been known to kill cancer cells.
6. May help with healthy skin.
7. May lower cholesterol.
8. May help to fight inflammation.
9. Will boost the immune system.
10. Removes toxins from the body.
11. Aids in good digestion.
12. May support bone health.
The final word on dandelions
The dandelion flowering plants do have some bitter/sweet taste so to speak depending on how you view it. This garden plant is seen as a weed that could be a nuisance or a plant that has healing properties that can benefit the body in so many ways. So now that you have the facts on the dandelion plant what is your take do you see it as a beneficial plant or a weed?
Dandelions also produce beautiful bright yellow flowers that can help in highlighting your garden and landscape. Do you want to attract bees and butterflies to your garden? then installing these garden plants will have your garden buzzing with much activity as bees and butterflies fly from plant to plant collecting nectar. So investing in these flowering plants will give you the best of both worlds.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
This text is amazingly structured and easy to read! I really enjoyed reading about growing dandelion! I have one question, will i be able to grow them in Europe? I am just wondering in case i am going to grow the:)
Amazing work on the review and good job! Keep working just like this and you will succeed!
Thanks so much and I am so happy to help, these plants love full sunlight so as long as you can provide them with sunlight and the other listed requirements you can have much success. Hope this helps.
Hello and thank you for this article about Dandelions! I have a planted aquarium so I can relate all about plants care. Such a beautiful flowering plant, and the most favorite term of every plant keeper, one of the hardiest plant. This plant will surely adds more spice to my wife’s garden at home. I really love how you presented the article, it is very well-detailed. You included all the necessary information from the plant’s characteristics, how to choose the location, lighting, soil, how to plant, water requirements, pests and diseases. You even included the health benefits of the plant if used as food.
I may have missed it, but can it thrive in a tropical country.
You are welcome and thanks so much for your kind words. Dandelions are so amazing and with these garden plants, you get the best of both worlds. These plants love full sunlight so a tropical climate is ideal. Thanks again.
Most people regard the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as an invasive weed that takes over lawns and flower beds every spring. This is the simple truth but for me, I like them the same way i like every other plant on my lawn they are simply exceptional…thanks for the tips i think i would change my growing pattern.
It all depends on how we look at these flowering plant which I think has so many benefits. So happy to help.
Do we seriously need to actually plant dandelion seeds? Given how they plant themselves by flying seeds from their own flowers all over the place, I thought I could just sprinkle seeds around and have that work. Would I be wasting all of my dandelion seeds by just sprinkling them all over? Would they not grow unless I actually planted them?