In perfect conditions, dandelions can grow taproots up to 15 feet deep, with their unmistakable yellow blossoms soaring high just above the soil.
In disturbed soil with proper drainage, perennials that grow in hot climates and like USDA plant hardiness zones 3–10 thrive. Cutting the dandelion taproot one inch beneath the surface does not destroy it; rather, you are accidentally growing this hardy plant.
Dandelions can be regenerated by any section of the sturdy taproot that remains in the soil. You must cut the existing root of the dandelion plant to kill it.
How To Grow Dandelion From Cuttings
Dandelion root system
Unlike plants with weak, fibrous roots, dandelions have a powerful taproot. Only a few feeder roots stretch horizontally in search of water and mineral nutrients, while one large primary root enters the ground vertically. The taproots of the dandelion allow it to reach deep nutrients while aerating the soil.
Master Gardener Steve Albert warns that if you cut any part of the root off, even small portions of the root left in the soil can emerge into a new dandelion plant. You can uproot the plant for a short time, but depending on the climate, it will recover in a few days or weeks.
Read also: Can You Grow Dandelions From Cuttings? Now Answered
Removal of the Dandelion taproot
The best approach to eliminate dandelion entails soil preparation to discover all of the root fragments. When the stem and leaf are removed from the soil, for example, the root is generally uninjured. Hack into the earth with a garden hoe to discover all of the roots underneath your first cutting spot.
Dandelions are well-suited to root-piece regeneration because their roots are weak. Additionally, dandelions in the region may still be able to transmit their seeds to you. To effectively limit the spread of dandelion seedlings, each seedling must be meticulously destroyed.
Windblown seed spread
The roots of dandelion plants are disrupted when they are cut, especially if the plant contains a seed head. Even if the majority of the plant is removed, their active seeding process leaves hundreds of potential dandelions in the area.
Because these plants are self-pollinating, the composite flower usually turns into the unique, fluffy white seed head within a few days. These seeds’ umbrella-like bristles let them soar in the wind. Since dandelion seeds need sunlight to flourish, they fall in places where they can grow quickly.
Read also: How To Grow Dandelion Indoors From Seeds
Can I Grow Dandelions In Water?
After being harvested, dandelions withered if immersed in water. They won’t live long in the water, though, because their bloom duration is only around a day even when they’re still on the plant.
Can I Grow Dandelions At Home?
Although it may appear strange to cultivate dandelion plants indoors, it is simple and can be done at any period of the year. To do so, follow these steps:
If you want to grow dandelion seeds indoors, you’ll probably have to order them digitally, though you might be able to find them at a specialty herb or wildflower nursery.
You can save seeds from wild dandelions during the puffball stage if you’re feeling brave. Check to see if the dandelions have been exposed to herbicides, insecticides, or other chemicals.
To enable the lengthy roots, the container for cultivating dandelion plants indoors should be at least 6 inches (15 cm) deep. The container’s width is determined by the number of plants you wish to plant and the size you desire them to be at harvest.
A solitary dandelion plant can be grown in a 4- to 6-inch (10-15 cm) pot. Ensure the container’s base has a drainage hole. To avoid potting soil from leaking through the drainage hole, seal it with a paper coffee filter.
Fill the container halfway with any kind of potting soil. If you use garden soil to cultivate dandelion plants indoors, the soil will contract and the plants will quickly perish. Spread the seeds on the soil’s top, then carefully coat them with a potting mix.
Indoor dandelion plants require many hours of full sun. A grow lamp or fluorescent tubes may be required to augment natural light. Allow 14 to 16 hours every day for the container to be exposed to the light (a timer will help).
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Maintain the potting mix wet but not soaked by watering it daily. Thin the seedlings to about 2 inches apart (5 cm.). If you want to harvest sensitive infant leaves, space seedlings closely together; if you want bigger plants, space them further apart.
If you want to grow dandelions indoors for use in the kitchen, harvest the dandelions before they blossom; else, the taste will be unpleasant. Dandelion greens should be stored in an airtight container in the freezer. The value of the greens lasts for many days, sometimes even two weeks.
