How to Grow Dandelions
The dandelion plant is a green, flowering plant that grows wild, particularly in the eastern Andes region, and is cultivated in other parts of the world. It has a low and slow growth rate. There are several types of dandelions, distinguished by the shape of their leaves. For instance, one type called escarole has broad, smooth leaves, while other types have twisted or fringed leaves.
Dandelions are known for their distinctive, slightly bitter taste, making them a popular addition to salads. Despite the bitterness, it is considered palatable. Dandelions do not thrive in hot weather, and farmers often tie the plants together in bundles before harvesting to reduce their bitterness. Dandelions are rich in vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, and Vitamin C.
One type of dandelion, known as wild dandelion or wild lettuce, is cultivated for its leaves and roots. The green leaves are consumed, while the roots are ground, roasted, and used with coffee or as a substitute for it. This type of dandelion is grown in North America and Europe as a vegetable. It has flat leaves and flowers in various colors, including bright blue, white, and pinkish-red.
The dandelion plant is known by several names, such as Lion’s Tooth and Blowball, while its Latin name is Taraxacum Officinale.
Planting Dandelions
Dandelions are grown by directly sowing seeds into the soil in the open air. The plants should be spaced 6–8 inches apart. Dandelions prefer full sunlight but can adapt to poor conditions, making them low-maintenance. They do not require a specific soil type, although adding fertilizer is recommended if the roots are to be harvested.
For better-quality plants, it is advisable to prepare the soil to be soft, fine-grained, and slightly alkaline. Adding lime to the soil can achieve the desired alkalinity. Dandelions can grow almost anywhere, including home gardens. The type of dandelion that grows everywhere is called “dominant dandelion.”
To reduce the bitterness of the leaves during growth, the plants can be covered a few days before harvesting or by harvesting the leaves early in their growth cycle.
The best time to plant dandelion seeds is in early spring, about four to six weeks before the last expected frost. The seeds are sown at a depth of approximately 1/4 inch. Dandelions are resilient, surviving extreme summer heat and harsh winter conditions. They thrive in full sunlight but can also grow in partially shaded areas.
The leaves can be harvested at any time during the growing season, while the roots are usually harvested in the second fall after planting. Roots are pulled entirely from the soil or lifted carefully using a fork to avoid breaking or damaging them.
Health Benefits of Dandelions
Dandelions have been used since ancient times in traditional medicine, including Arabic, Chinese, and American practices. They are edible and can be used in soups, teas, and other preparations, whether fresh or dried.
Some of the health benefits of dandelions include:
- Treating eczema and bruises.
- Alleviating loss of appetite and digestive disorders, including bloating.
- Relieving joint and bone pain; dandelions are also a laxative and tonic.
- Reducing the risk of infections, especially viral ones.
- Accelerating recovery after tonsillectomy surgery using dandelion soup.
- Stimulating liver function by increasing bile secretion and aiding in detoxification. The sugars in dandelions are beneficial for liver function.
- Supporting weight loss as a natural alternative to weight-loss drugs.
- Studies suggest that dandelion roots can cause melanoma cells to die without affecting non-cancerous cells.
- Using dandelion leaves in some countries, like Turkey, to make ointments for treating wounds and aiding healing.
- In traditional medicine, dandelion juice is used to treat uterine cancer and other tumors, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Acting as a diuretic due to its high potassium salt content, while replenishing lost salts in the body.
- Using dried roots to regulate blood sugar levels and as an antibiotic to fight inflammation.
- Treating gallstones, jaundice, and gout.
- Stopping the growth of harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria meningitidis, and Bacillus species due to its antibacterial properties.
- Extracting water from the base of the leaves for cosmetic uses, such as cleansing the skin and removing freckles.
Other Uses of Dandelions
- Dried dandelion flowers can be mixed with other herbs to make a powder added to compost to activate bacteria and speed up compost formation.
- The roots can be used to extract low-quality latex for making rubber.
- Dandelions release ethylene gas, which causes nearby fruits to ripen faster.
