Every part of the plant can be used and they’re easy to grow. Best planted in early spring through late summer, dandelions will grow quickly, with seeds germinating in around 10 days. Dandelions can be added to your herb garden, or grown in a row in your vegetable garden. They can also be directly sown into containers for the ability to harvest closer to the kitchen. Dandelions are generally problem-free, for better or for worse. They’ll grow without any problems whatsoever and are resistant to many pests and diseases that may afflict other summer flowers or crops in your landscape.
Light
Dandelion plants prefer a spot in full sunlight, but can happily grow in just about any light conditions. That being said, they will grow more rapidly under at least eight to 10 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil
If there’s one thing dandelions aren’t particular about, it’s their soil mixture. Whether your garden boasts soil that is sandy, loamy, rich, or clay-like, dandelions will find a way to thrive. However, if you’re hoping to grow plants that are nutritious and hearty, you’ll want a mixture that is rich in nitrogen.
Water
Dandelion plants like consistent moisture and should be watered regularly in order to keep the soil moist but not sopping. If you’re unsure whether your plants need water, stick your finger 2 to 3 inches deep into the soil—if it’s dry, it’s time to water your plant.
Temperature and Humidity
Dandelions can tolerate soil temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit but thrive best in a climate that’s around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or more. This explains why they often don’t start cropping up in your lawn as “weeds” until mid-summer or so. Additionally, dandelions require no special humidity and can thrive in both humid and moderately dry environments.
Fertilizer
Dandelions can benefit from a bit of organic matter mixed into the soil, but otherwise do not need any specific fertilizer, though it will not be detrimental to their growth if they happen to receive some from nearby applications to other plants. That being said, if you plan to eat and cook with your dandelion plants, you need to make sure to only apply an organic fertilizer to any nearby crops to prevent any chemical contamination.
How to Grow Dandelions From Seed
Dandelions can be sown outdoors four to six weeks before the last spring frost. Sow seed directly into the ground—once they’ve sprouted above the soil, thin them so they’re 6 to 8 inches apart. Dandelions readily reseed themselves, but often in places where you’d rather they didn’t grow. Be sure to clear them from your garden before they bolt to seed if you’d like to avoid this issue.
How to Harvest Dandelions
A few weeks before harvesting your dandelion’s leaves, cover the plants with dark, opaque fabric to block out most of the light—this will blanch the leaves, reducing the plant’s bitterness. The youngest leaves are the least bitter and most flavorful, and tender leaves can be picked throughout the growing season. If you are harvesting the blossoms from your dandelions, pick the flowers when they are still bright yellow and young. Use them fresh, making sure to remove all of the stems. To prevent the flowers from closing after cutting, place them in a bowl of cold water, taking them out just before eating or serving them. The roots of the dandelion can be harvested at any time. To prepare them, you can chop the dried roots into pieces 2 inches long and roast at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, then grind the roasted pieces, adding a quarter teaspoon to your coffee or hot chocolate for a new flavor.
