- What site requirements does dandelion have?
- In which substrate does the plant grow well?
- What is the best way to sow dandelions?
- When does this herb bloom?
- When should the harvest take place?
Not everyone is out to rigorously remove dandelions from the garden. Beekeepers, for example, benefit from growing this plant because it offers bees plenty of nectar and pollen early in the year.
Dandelions can be grown for their medicinal properties or simply for decoration
What site requirements does dandelion have?
Dandelion has no special requirements for the site where it is to grow. It does best in a sunny location. But it can also thrive in semi-shade.
If you want to cultivate the dandelion in a pot, for example on the terrace, you should make sure you choose a deep pot for it. The reason: the dandelion develops a long taproot.
In which substrate does the plant grow well?
The demands on the earth are also easy to meet. Basically, the dandelion grows everywhere once it has had a good chance to emerge. Ideally, the substrate will have the following properties:
- permeable
- nutritious
- wet
- humorous
- well ventilated
- profound
- calcareous
What is the best way to sow dandelions?
The perfect time for sowing is between March and the end of May. Alternatively, you can sow the dandelion seeds directly outdoors between August and September.
Please pay attention to the following:
- Preculture is possible and recommended in spring
- like to use seeds from their own harvest
- Sow seeds 1 to 2 cm deep
- keep moist
- ideal germination temperature: 18 to 22 °C
- average germination time: 2 to 3 weeks
- After germination, separate to a distance of 30 cm
When does this herb bloom?
The dandelion blooms as early as April. The drier it is, the earlier it blooms. In late summer there is often a second flowering. A few flowers may appear well into October.
When should the harvest take place?
If you want to harvest the leaves, for example to use them in salads, you should do so between April and May. The young leaves taste best because they contain fewer anti-feedants. The flowers can be harvested between April and June.
tips
Once you have successfully sown the dandelion, you usually never have to worry about sowing again, as the perennial plant likes to sow itself.