Dandelion Growing Info: How To Grow And Harvest Dandelions
We freely admit that it may be a little odd to have an article about how to grow dandelions. After all, most gardeners consider dandelions a weed and are looking for information on how to remove them from their garden. Once you get to know a little more about this nutritious plant, though, you may find yourself also wondering how to grow and harvest dandelion plants for yourself.
Why You Should Be Growing Dandelion Greens
While dandelions can be a nuisance in the lawn, they are also a surprising source of nutrients. Dandelion greens contain vitamin C, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, thiamin, riboflavin, beta carotene, and fiber. They are actually more nutritious than most of the fruits and vegetables you can buy in the grocery store. It is also touted as being beneficial to your liver, kidneys, blood, and digestion. Not to mention that it supposedly helps with acne, weight-loss, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. It is nearly a perfect food.
How to Grow Dandelions
At a very basic level, you don't need to do much to grow dandelions. Chances are there is a whole yard full of them near where you live, perhaps even right outside your door, but it's likely that the dandelion plants growing in your lawn are Common Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale subsp. vulgare). This is the most common variety of dandelion, but there are thousands of varieties and cultivars to be found around the world. Common Dandelion has all the health benefits mentioned above, but they tend to be a bit more bitter than some of the other varieties of dandelion you can buy. Some “gourmet” varieties of dandelion include:
- French Dandelion a.k.a Vert de Montmagny Dandelion
- Amélioré à Coeur Plein Dandelion
- Pissenlit Coeur Plein Ameliore Dandelion
- Improved Broad Leaved Dandelion
- Arlington Dandelion
- Improved Thick-Leaved Dandelion a.k.a Dandelion Ameliore
Dandelions are by nature a very bitter green, but there are steps you can take to reduce how bitter it is. First, grow a less bitter variety such as the ones listed above. The right variety can make dandelion greens taste much better than the wild variety growing in your yard. Second, try growing dandelions in the shade. This will blanch the leaves some and will result in a less bitter leaf. Alternately, you can manually blanch the dandelion leaves by covering the plants a few days before you are ready to harvest. The third thing you can do to reduce bitterness is to harvest dandelion leaves early. Young leaves will be less bitter than more mature leaves. You can keep your dandelions from becoming invasive in your yard by either choosing a less invasive variety (yes, they exist) or by making sure that the plant never goes to seed and therefore cannot spread its seeds throughout the neighborhood.
Harvesting Dandelions
Much like other greens, dandelions can be harvested either as a “head” by removing the entire plant when mature (starting to flower) at harvest or as a leaf, which means that you would remove only some of the young leaves or the whole head when the plant is still young. Both ways are acceptable and which you choose will be based on your preference. Another benefit of growing dandelions is the fact that it is a perennial. After you harvest the plant it will grow back the same season, year after year. Never harvest dandelions from a location that is near a road or has been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Heather Rhoades founded Gardening Know How in 2007. She holds degrees from Cleveland State University and Northern Kentucky University. She is an avid gardener with a passion for community, and is a recipient of the Master Gardeners of Ohio Lifetime Achievement Award.
-
5 Plastic Products To Avoid In Your Garden – And How You Can Embrace Plastic Reduction
The less plastic we use, the healthier our planet will be. Here are some big plastic gardening products to avoid, plus some alternatives.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
8 Small Trees For Front Yards – Boost Curb Appeal Without Dominating The House
Discover the best small trees for front yards, which make an impact in multiple seasons without overshadowing the rest of the yard.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Healthy Dandelion Tea – Is Dandelion Tea Good For You
Is dandelion tea good for you? Click here to find out and explore dandelion tea benefits.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Indoor Dandelion Growing – Can You Grow Dandelions Indoors
Growing dandelion plants indoors may seem odd, but it is easy, and they can be grown at any time of year. Click to learn how.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Dandelion Flower Varieties: Interesting Types Of Dandelion Plants To Grow
We’ve all seen a dandelion growing, but what are the different types of dandelions? Click this article to find out about different dandelion flowers.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Dandelion Herbal Tea Benefits: Growing Dandelions For Tea
Instead of waging a frustrating and nearly pointless battle against dandelions, click here to learn how to make homemade dandelion tea. It’s good for you.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Picking Dandelions: How And When To Harvest Dandelions
Picking dandelions allows access to a cheap, healthy food source. All parts are edible but harvested at different times. Learn when to harvest dandelions in this article.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Uses For Dandelions: What To Do With Dandelions
Dandelions are considered weeds by many people, but they're actually useful. Consider all the uses for dandelions before dismissing them.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Dandelion Seed Growing: How To Grow Dandelion Seeds
Did you know that the leaves, flowers, and roots of dandelion are edible or that the dandelion has purported medicinal properties? Bees and other pollinators also rely on them. So, what are you waiting for? Find out how to grow dandelion seeds here.
By Shelley Pierce
-
Dandelion Removal: How To Kill Dandelions
Dandelions will push out grass and other plants, as well as sapping water and nutrients away from surrounding plants. For this reason, controlling the weed is important. Learn more in this article.
By Heather Rhoades