Imero Dandelion on white background.
A bundle of Imero Dandelion leaves on a white background.
Dandelion Seeds, Imero
A bundle of Imero Dandelion leaves with a salad on a white background.
Imero Dandelion on white background.
A bundle of Imero Dandelion leaves on a white background.
Dandelion Seeds, Imero
A bundle of Imero Dandelion leaves with a salad on a white background.

Dandelion Seeds,
Imero

SKU: #RC115Min. seed count: 200
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Description

A superb salad green with a sweet, mild flavor that rivals the best. Chicory ‘Imero’ offers long, dandelion-like leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long, making it a dramatic and tasty addition to any garden. Often sold as dandelion leaves, ‘Imero’ is much more mild and sweet, with a delicate, tender texture that’s perfect for fresh salads. It’s hands-down one of the sweetest chicory varieties around, making it our premium choice for gardeners looking to elevate their greens game. Ideal for those who love a leafy, refreshing bite without the bitterness of traditional chicory.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cichorium intybus
Life Cycle
Perennial
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
60–90
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
8–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
55–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Imero has both spring and fall planting windows and is frost hardy, and it is listed as a cool-season crop. Direct sowing is preferable because of the long taproot: sow about 1/4 inch deep, firm the soil over the seed, keep it evenly moist, and look for seedlings in 7 to 14 days. If you do start indoors, transplant carefully to spare that taproot. Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart in a spot with 6 to 8 hours of sun, where a 55 to 75 degrees F range suits them. Figure 60 to 90 days to maturity.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 7-21 days.
  • Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost date, or direct sow (preferable) seeds after last chance of frost has passed.
  • Surface sow and cover with a thin layer of starting mix (seeds require light in order to germinate). Sow 1 inch apart in rows.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 60-75 F.
  • If starting indoors, carefully transplant due to long taproot.

How to Grow

  • Thin plants to 4-6 inches apart.
  • Plants can handle a wide range of soil conditions, though they prefer full to part sun.
  • Keep young plants well-watered until established; mature plants are quite drought tolerant.
  • Greens are edible as are the taproot and flowers.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Typically quite pest-free.
  • Provide good air circulation and keep foliage dry to prevent mold and fungal issues.

How to Save Seeds

  • Dandelion has small little tufts called pappuses.
  • When the full seedhead is present, before the wind can whisk it away or animal traffic breaks it apart, the entire seedhead can be pulled or clipped from the plant and placed in a container for drying.
  • To remove the pappuses from the seeds, simply rub them on a screen. The tiny seed will fall through and the pappuses ball up and are caught on the surface of the screen.
  • Chaff and other debris can be further separated, if desired, by careful screening and winnowing. It does not take much of an air current to separate the chaff from these very tiny seeds and so gently blowing on the surface of the seeds in a container will usually be enough to separate, then stir and shake the seeds and repeat the process until there is no longer chaff or debris.

FAQ

Is Imero a true dandelion?

It is listed as Cichorium intybus, a chicory, and is often sold as dandelion leaves. The leaves are long and dandelion-like, but it is much more mild and sweet than traditional chicory.

How big do Imero leaves get?

Up to 2 feet long, which makes it a dramatic and tasty addition to the garden.

How is Imero best used?

In fresh salads. It is described as a superb salad green with a sweet, mild flavor and a delicate, tender texture, without the bitterness of traditional chicory.
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