Dandelion Seeds, French

Sku:
#HB215
Minimum seed count:
150
star-filled
3.9
4 Reviews
$3.00

Description

(Taraxacum officinale). A sophisticated French play on the immensely nutritious wild dandelion. Dandelion is highly nutritious and contains antioxidants. Its potential health benefits range from weight control to healthier cholesterol. Use the young leaves in salads and the older leaves as boiled greens. Roots can be roasted and used in place of coffee, or lifted and forced during winter, like Belgian endive. We’re proud to offer this European strain of a traditional old favorite! 

  • Perennial in USDA zones 3 and above
  • 45 days to maturity
  • 4-6 hours of sun
  • Sprouts in 5-10 days
  • Ideal Temperature: 45-75 F
  • Seed Depth: 1/8"
  • Plant Spacing: 8-12"
  • Frost Hardy: Yes

Growing Tips

French dandelions are adaptable to most areas but grow best in a location that receives morning sun and part to full shade in the afternoon. This keeps the greens tender and mild. Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering​.

When to Grow

Dandelions can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date or, even better, direct sown after the last chance of frost has passed. They are hardy perennials, suitable for USDA zones 3 and above. To find your specific frost dates, check your local frost/freeze dates.

How to Sow and Plant

Dandelion seeds are light-sensitive, so they should be sown on the surface of the soil or lightly pressed in, without being buried deeply. Cover with a thin layer of starting mix. They germinate best at soil temperatures between 65-75 F. Space seeds about 8-12 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. You can also grow dandelions in containers, as long as they have plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil​.

How to Grow

Dandelions don’t require a lot of maintenance. For less bitter leaves, grow them in partial shade or blanch them by covering the plants a few days before harvest. Regularly harvest young leaves for a milder taste. Fertilizing occasionally with a general-purpose fertilizer can help promote growth.

How to Save

  • Dandelion flowers have 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, 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

Can I grow French dandelions indoors?
Yes, use a container with good drainage and place it in a bright location​.

How can I reduce the bitterness of French dandelion leaves?
Grow in partial shade, harvest young leaves, or blanch them before harvest.

Do French dandelions need fertilizer?
While not absolutely necessary, applying a balanced fertilizer can improve growth​.

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Dandelion Seeds, French
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