Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), or dandelion, is also known as dandelion or wild chicory. This medicinal plant grows spontaneously or can be grown in the vegetable garden, in pots and in the garden starting from its seeds.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), or dandelion, is also known as dandelion or wild chicory. This medicinal plant grows spontaneously or can be grown in the vegetable garden, in pots and in the garden starting from its seeds.
When the dandelion has bloomed it is very easy to recognize it due to its petals with a characteristic bright yellow color, tending to orange. The dandelion is often very present in the countryside, in the fields and in the meadows but the advice for food and medicinal uses is to collect it only in places away from traffic.
In fact, we often see dandelions growing on the roadsides. However, these flowers are subjected to car exhaust and pollution. The suggestion is therefore to collect dandelions only in the countryside, to buy dried dandelions from a herbalist's shop or to grow it in pots or in the garden, obviously without using herbicides and pesticides.
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How to grow dandelion in pots and in the garden
You can find dandelion seeds at garden stores, nurseries and online. There sowing of dandelion occurs in spring, from March to June. So do not forget to sow the dandelion during the summer to be able to harvest it as soon as possible.
Sow the potted dandelion broadcasting, that is, distributing a small handful of seeds directly on the soil with the hands. Cover the dandelion seeds with a light layer of earth and water immediately.
If, on the other hand, you have more space available, you can sow the dandelion in the vegetable garden or in the garden. For example, you could create a special bed for your dandelion flowers. In this case, arrange the seeds in rows about 30 cm apart. Always choose fresh, well-drained soil.
Read also: DANDELION: WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS FOR
The dandelion it is a hardy and very resistant plant but better not to expose it to direct sun. In fact, you can grow dandelions even in the dim light areas of your garden and place the pots in the less sunny part of your balcony.
To germinate and grow at its best, dandelions need constant temperatures. It especially loves the warm temperatures typical of spring and summer, from 25 degrees onwards. The suggestion is to sow it in early spring to be able to cultivate it in summer and to be able to harvest in autumn.
Water your dandelion flowers once or twice a day depending on how hot the weather is and how dry the soil appears. The ideal times to water the plants are early in the morning and in the evening.
In the case of pot-grown dandelion, pay close attention to do not leave water stagnation in saucers and empty them frequently to prevent the roots from rotting and your flowers from wilting.
When to harvest dandelions
If you will sow dandelions in the spring you can harvest it in autumn or late summer. Usually in the kitchen, dandelion leaves and flowers are used to be eaten fresh directly in salads. The leaves can be cooked as if they were spinach while the flowers, for example, are good as a filling for homemade pancakes or as a garnish for risotto.
In herbal medicine and phytotherapy, dandelion roots, flowers and leaves are collected and left to dry to prepare natural remedies, with particular reference to herbs for infusions and decoctions. In conclusion, you can consume fresh dandelion or leave it to dry to keep it if you know how to use it in natural remedies, perhaps following the advice of your trusted herbalist.
Marta Albè
