Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates short periods of drought and poor soil conditions

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Watering Water when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

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Temperature Hardy to freezing temperatures; tolerates summer heat up to 30°C without significant stress

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Leaf: Basal rosette of deeply lobed, toothed bright green leaves with milky sap
Flower: Bright yellow composite flower heads that mature into spherical, parachute-like seed heads
Stem: Hollow, smooth, leafless flowering stalks that exude milky sap when broken

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Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

No regular feeding required; optional diluted feed once monthly for lusher growth. Use balanced, diluted organic feed to avoid over-fertilization

Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to support flower production

Pruning

Deadhead spent blooms to prevent widespread self-seeding in managed gardens
Trim overgrown leaf rosettes in late autumn to tidy growth and reduce winter debris
Remove unwanted plants by pulling the entire taproot to prevent regrowth

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic; no adverse effects from ingestion

Humans: Edible leaves and flowers; no known acute toxicity when consumed in typical amounts

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Culture: Symbolizes resilience and wish-making via blowing seed heads to disperse achenes

Usage: Edible leaves and flowers for salads, teas, and culinary garnishes; traditional medicinal herb for digestive support