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Dandelion — Herbs | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Dandelion
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

95days to harvest

7-21 daysdays to germinate

Z3–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow in early spring or late summer; surface-sow as seeds need light to germinate

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: Moderate — regular watering
Soil: Deep, loose, well-drained loam; tolerates a wide pH range (6.0-7.5)
Spacing: 6-12 inches
Height: 2-6 inches
Season: Perennial

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Green leaves with yellow flowers
Shape: Toothed lance-shaped leaves in a basal rosette; round composite flowers
Flavour: Earthy and pleasantly bitter — young leaves taste like a peppery, mineral-rich arugula, while roasted roots have a deep, nutty, coffee-like richness. Flowers are mildly sweet and honeyed.

In the kitchen

Salads, sautéed greens, pesto, roasted root coffee substitute, herbal tea, wine, fritters, jelly from flowers

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, leaf miners, caterpillars
Diseases: Powdery mildew, leaf spot, crown rot, rust

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
3	April – May	June – July	—	July – October
4	March – April	June – July	—	July – October
5	March – April	May – June	—	June – October
6	March – April	May – June	—	June – November
7	February – March	April – June	—	June – November
8	February – March	April – May	—	May – December
9	January – February	March – April	—	April – December
10	January	February – April	—	April – December
11	January	January – March	—	March – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

SpinachDandelion's deep taproot brings up nutrients for shallow-rooted spinach

RadishesDandelions break up compacted soil, making it easier for radishes to grow

CarrotsDandelion's taproot creates channels that help carrot root development

TomatoesDandelions accumulate potassium in their leaves, beneficial when composted for tomatoes

KaleDandelions attract beneficial insects that help pollinate and protect brassicas

OnionsBoth plants help deter pests and can grow well in similar soil conditions

BeansDandelions provide ground cover while beans fix nitrogen that dandelions can utilize

LettuceDandelions provide natural ground cover and shade, protecting lettuce from heat stress

Avoid

WheatDandelions compete aggressively with cereal grains for nutrients and space

CornDense dandelion growth can significantly reduce corn yields through competition

SoybeansDandelions release allelopathic compounds that can inhibit soybean germination

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 23
Protein (g): 3.15
Fat (g): 0.64
Carbohydrate (g): 2.65
Fibre (g): 1.6
Sugars (g): 0.3
Vitamin A (µg): 264
Vitamin C (mg): 18
Vitamin E (mg): 0.8
Vitamin K (µg): 415
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.155
Folate (µg): 68
Calcium (mg): 177
Iron (mg): 3.17
Magnesium (mg): 64
Phosphorus (mg): 56
Potassium (mg): 295
Zinc (mg): 0.81
Selenium (µg): 0.3

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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Dandelion

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Dandelion?

Similar varieties