Taraxacum officinale (Taraxacum officinale)

Also known as: Common Dandelion, Lion's Teeth

Taraxacum officinale, commonly known as the dandelion, is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Eurasia but has spread to many other places, where it is often considered a weed. The plant is known for its bright yellow flowers and puffball seed heads.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Taraxacum officinale

Lifespan

Taraxacum officinale, also known as common dandelion, is a perennial plant.

Plant Height

6-12 inches

Spread

N/A

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1-2 inches

Flower Color

Yellow

Images of Taraxacum officinale

Quickly Identify Taraxacum officinale

Dandelions are easily identified by their bright yellow flowers and toothed, basal leaves. The flower heads close at night and open in the morning, and they turn into seed heads that disperse seeds with the wind.

Scientific Classification of Taraxacum officinale

Phylum

Magnoliophyta

Class

Magnoliopsida

Order

Asterales

Family

Asteraceae

Genus

Taraxacum

Planting and Growing of Taraxacum officinale

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Taraxacum officinale?

For Taraxacum officinale, it’s important to avoid overwatering. Water until the soil is damp but not waterlogged. Using approximately 150 ml ensures the soil remains slightly moist without causing root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Taraxacum officinale? ›

What should I do if my Taraxacum officinale is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Taraxacum officinale? ›

How to save an overwatered Taraxacum officinale? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Taraxacum officinale?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: At least 6 hours

Taraxacum officinale thrives best in full sun or partial sun environments, where they receive at least six hours of sunlight. Ideal lighting ensures robust growth, vibrant foliage, and abundant blooming.

How much light does Taraxacum officinale need? ›

What are the solutions for achieving ideal lighting? ›

What benefits do dandelions gain from ideal light? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Taraxacum officinale?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 77℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Taraxacum officinale, also known as the common dandelion, is between 60°F and 77°F. Within this range, the plant can thrive with optimal growth, ensuring robust foliage and healthy blooms. Maintaining consistent temperatures within this range is crucial for maximizing both the plant’s health and its ornamental value.

What Soil is Best for Taraxacum officinale?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Clay soil, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Taraxacum officinale thrives in well-drained soil, which prevents water from accumulating around the roots. This condition helps avoid root rot and allows the roots to access oxygen, ensuring healthy plant growth. This plant flourishes in nutrient-rich environments because it can draw from an abundance of essential minerals and organic matter in the soil. This enhances its growth and improves resilience against environmental stress. For optimal growth, dandelions prefer a balanced soil texture comprising a mix of sand, silt, and clay. This mixture ensures consistent moisture retention and ideal root penetration.

How to Fertilize Taraxacum officinale?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Taraxacum officinale, commonly known as the dandelion, the fertilization amount depends on the growth stage and existing soil fertility. Generally, a balanced liquid fertilizer with a ratio such as 10-10-10, diluted to half strength, suffices for monthly application during active growth periods.

How to Prune Taraxacum officinale?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Start by identifying the flowers and leaves that are overcrowding or growing beyond desired boundaries. Focus on older or dead foliage, as well as blooms that have already gone to seed. Use your pruning shears to cut back the unwanted parts. Make your cuts at the base of the stem for the flowers and leaves. Ensure that you remove all parts of the unwanted growth to effectively manage the plant's spread. If managing the spread of dandelions is your goal, it’s important to note that simply cutting the above-ground parts won’t affect the root system. For thorough removal, consider a deeper root pruning strategy.

How to Propagate Taraxacum officinale plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Late spring

Collect mature seeds from a dandelion flower that has fully turned into a puffball. Ensure the seeds are dry and free from any diseases.

Use a well-draining soil mix, rich in organic matter, to fill your seed tray or pots. This ensures adequate drainage while providing nutrients for seed germination and growth.

Take a healthy root cutting, dip it in rooting hormone, and plant it in a small pot with a moist soil mix. Cover lightly with soil and keep in a warm, indirectly lit area.

How to Repot Taraxacum officinale plant?

Repotting frequency: Once a year

You'll notice it's time to repot Taraxacum officinale when the plant outgrows its current container and roots start to show through the drainage holes. Another sign is when the growth of the plant appears stunted, suggesting the soil has become depleted of nutrients. Additionally, if the water drains too quickly or too slowly, it may indicate compacted soil, signaling that it's time for repotting.

Opt for a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, ensuring it has ample drainage holes at the base. A pot that is too large can lead to waterlogging, which may harm the roots. Consider using a terracotta pot, which breathes better and helps prevent overwatering, keeping the plant healthy and growing robustly.

Select a loamy soil mix that is rich in organic matter and provides excellent drainage. The right soil ensures that excess water doesn’t remain in contact with the roots, preventing root rot. A proper mix will also supply essential nutrients, supporting vigorous growth and vibrant flowers.

Toxicity of Taraxacum officinale

Is Taraxacum officinale toxic to humans?

The common dandelion is not inherently toxic by itself; rather, it poses risks when it interacts with our immune systems, specific medications, and its surroundings. Firstly, numerous individuals are allergic to dandelions; their pollen can trigger respiratory problems, and consuming the plant may result in gastrointestinal distress, breathing difficulties, hives, and potentially anaphylactic shock. Secondly, dandelions can adversely affect various medications, including Metformin, insulin, diuretics, and others. Thirdly, and most alarmingly, common dandelions are remarkably resilient and can absorb and retain a wide array of heavy metals from contaminated soil within their tissues. This presents a risk to anyone who consumes them, as they may ingest the harmful substances the plant has accumulated. Heavy metal poisoning can inflict severe harm on the human body. Common symptoms encompass nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, tingling sensations in the extremities, fatigue, confusion, and chills. Vigilance is advised with young children near dandelions; observe them for any symptoms should they ingest the plant.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.