Common Dandelion [Taraxacum officinale]

 Description 
Common Dandelion is a very ancient, perennial, versatile, and edible wild salad, tea, and medicinal plant native to Western Asia and Europe. Thanks to human intervention, this robust plant is now widespread in the Northern Hemisphere. For centuries, people have used this proven medicinal plant for its scientifically proven diuretic and choleretic properties. In folk medicine, it is used as a tea herb and for detoxification. In naturopathy, dandelion is also believed to promote digestion and stimulate the metabolism, as well as prevent kidney stones. It is used for gastrointestinal complaints, indigestion, loss of appetite, and liver and gallbladder problems. In addition to the bitter taste of the leaves, the herb contains a white, bitter milky sap in the stem. This edible wild plant forms deeply incised leaves that can be tied together in spring to bleach them, resulting in a significantly more tender and milder flavor. Soaking the leaves in water also reduces the bitterness. The young leaves are commonly used in salads, herb curds, and soups in spring. The flowers produce delicious honey, and the roots can be roasted like coffee. Dandelions also often appear at vegetable stands in spring, magically attracting bees and other insects.

 General information 
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 70 days
Plant height approx.: 40 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -15°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 5.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 16-20 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 10x20 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 8-9 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Carrot, Onion, Garlic
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing is recommended from January to August. The ideal location for the plants is sunny to partially shaded.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to June is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is sunny to partially shaded.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin the plants to the specified spacing. Precultivation is also useful.
Common Dandelion does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
The plants love full sun, but can also thrive in partial shade. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to additionally incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loose soil is sufficient. No maintenance or fertilization is necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Taraxacum officinale
English names: Common Dandelion, Dandelion
German names: Gewöhnlicher Löwenzahn, Löwenzahn
Portuguese names: Dente de leão
Spanish names: Diente de león
French names: Pissenlit

 Origin 
Country: Deutschland