Dandelion

Dandelion is a cheerful, hardy perennial known for its bright yellow flowers and signature puffball seed heads. Growing up to 12 inches tall, it thrives in various soil types and is incredibly resilient, making it a perfect addition to any garden or lawn. The vibrant yellow blossoms are not only a delightful sight but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting a healthy ecosystem. Dandelion leaves are edible and packed with nutrients, making them a valuable addition to salads, teas, and other dishes. The plant’s roots are often used in herbal medicine, known for their detoxifying and digestive benefits. It’s also a fantastic plant for natural healing and is said to support liver health. Dandelion's long-lasting blooms and hardy nature make it a low-maintenance and beautiful addition to any garden, while also offering an array of practical uses.

Also Known As: Culinary Grade Dandelion, Taraxacum Officinale, Lion’s Tooth, Blowball, Cankerwort, Irish Daisy, Swine’s Snout, Puffball, Pee-Wee, White Man’s Foot, Wild Lettuce, Priest’s Crown.

Plant Name:	Dandelion, Common
Latin Name:	Taraxacum officinale
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	55
Days to Bloom:	85-95
Plant Height:	8 - 12 Inches
Spread:	6 - 10 Inches
Bloom Diameter:	1 - 2 Inches
Growth Habit:	Clumping
USDA Zones:	2-11
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 12 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier.

Planting:

Plant Dandelion seeds directly outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked (soil temperature is least 50F). Transplanting is not recommended. Scatter the seeds over the prepared soil surface and lightly press them 1/8 inch into the soil or cover seeds thinly with soil. Gently water after planting. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 4-6 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	4-6 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches

Care During the Season:

Dandelions are hardy, low-maintenance plants that thrive in a variety of soil conditions. During the growing season, they should be watered regularly, particularly during dry spells, but avoid overwatering as they are drought-tolerant once established. Fertilizing isn’t necessary for dandelions, as they grow well in average soil, but applying compost can promote strong growth. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to prevent excessive seed spreading if you don't want them to take over your garden. Dandelions can be invasive, so if you want to keep them under control, remove any unwanted plants before they set seeds.

Harvesting:

Harvest dandelions when plants are mature, typically in early spring or fall when the leaves are young, tender, and flavorful. For greens, use a sharp knife or garden scissors to cut the outer leaves near the base of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. If harvesting dandelion for tea, focus on the leaves and flowers, as they contain the most beneficial properties. It's best to pick dandelions before they flower or right as they begin to bloom for the most vibrant, nutritious parts. After harvesting, wash the leaves or flowers thoroughly to remove dirt and insects. For tea, you can either dry the leaves and flowers by laying them flat in a well-ventilated area or use them fresh, steeping them in hot water for a refreshing herbal beverage.