Dandelion

Plant family

Daisy family (Asteraceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Heavy (clay)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Plant distance

30 cm

Row spacing

30 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm

Instructions

Description

Dandelion is part of the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is also called dog flower, milk thistle, cow flower, dandelion and monk's head. The roots can be dried, roasted and ground for use as a coffee substitute. The mild tasting leaves are a vitamin rich salad base and it is also used as a medicinal plant. Good food for insects. Dandelion forms long taproots.

Growing tips

Seeds can also be sown between August and September. Pre-cultivation is possible. Germination after 2-3 weeks at approx. 18-22°C. The leaves are best harvested in April or May as they taste freshest then, the flowers between April and June. Dandelions also self-sow. You can also make plant slurry from dandelions. The taproots contain lactic acid, so wear old clothes when harvesting or removing them.