Common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

Common dandelion grows best in consistently moist conditions, so the trick is to water these plants lightly and often, taking care to make sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Check whether the soil is dry at a depth of 5 cm; if so, then it's time to water again.

Fertilization

Common dandelion grows in almost any type of soil but growing it in nitrogen-rich soil affords it the best chance to thrive. Dandelions can grow happily without the need for fertilizer. If they are being grown in a particularly low-nitrogen soil, you could consider adding a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

Pruning

Trim the diseased, withered leaves once a month.

Soil

Sand, Clay, Loam, Neutral, Alkaline

Potting Suggestions

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Needs excellent drainage in pots.

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Common dandelion

Water

Every week

Sunlight

Full sun

Hardiness Zones

3 to 10

Planting Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Fall, Early winter

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Questions About Common dandelion

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Common dandelion?

When watering the Common dandelion, you should aim to use filtered water that is at room temperature. Filtered water is better for this plant, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to its health. The reason that the water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer is that the Common dandelion comes from a warm environment, and cold water can be somewhat of a shock to its system. Also, you should avoid overhead watering for this plant, as it can cause foliage complications. Instead, simply apply your filtered room temperature water to the soil until the soil is entirely soaked. Soaking the soil can be very beneficial for this plant as it moistens the roots and helps them continue to spread through the soil and collect the nutrients they need.

What should I do if I water my Common dandelion too much or too little?

Both overwatering and underwatering will be detrimental to the health of your Common dandelion, but overwatering is a far more common issue. When this species receives too much water, its stems and leaves may begin to wilt and turn from green to yellow. Overwatering over a prolonged period may also lead to diseases such as root rot, mold, and mildew, all of which can kill your plant. Underwatering is far less common for the Common dandelion, as this plant has decent drought tolerance. However, underwatering remains a possibility, and when it occurs, you can expect to find that the leaves of your Common dandelion have become brittle and brown.

It is crucial that you notice the signs of overwatering as soon as possible when caring for your Common dandelion. Some of the diseases that arise from overwatering, such as root rot, may not be correctable if you wait too long. If you see early signs of overwatering, you should reduce your watering schedule immediately. You may also want to assess the quality of soil in which your Common dandelion grows. If you find that the soil drains very poorly, you should replace it immediately with a loose, well-draining potting mix. On the other hand, if you find signs that your Common dandelion is receiving too little water, all you need to do is water more regularly until those signs have subsided.

How often should I water my Common dandelion?

If your plant is in a pot. The most precise way to decide whether your Common dandelion needs water is to plunge your finger into the soil. If you notice that the first two to three inches of soil have become dry, it is time to add some water.

If you grow your Common dandelion outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to test the soil. Again, when you find that the first few inches of soil have dried out, it is time to add water. During the spring and early fall, this method will often lead you to water this plant about once every week. When extremely hot weather arrives, you may need to increase your watering frequency to about twice or more per week. With that said, mature, well-established the Common dandelion can show an admirable ability to withstand drought.

How much water does my Common dandelion need?

When it comes time to water your Common dandelion, you should not be shy about how much water you give. With the first two to three inches of soil dry, this plant will appreciate a long and thorough watering. Supply enough water to soak the soil entirely. The amount of water you add should be enough to cause excess water to flow through the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot. If you don’t see excess water draining from the pot, you have likely underwatered your plant. But do not let the water accumulate inside the soil, which will be very dangerous to the plant as well. Alternatively, a lack of water draining through the pot could indicate poorly draining soils, which is detrimental to the health of this plant and should be avoided. If the plant is outside, 1 inch of rain per week will be sufficient.

How should I water my Common dandelion at different growth stages?

The water needs of the Common dandelion can change depending on growth stages as well. For example, when your Common dandelion is in the first few years of its life, or if you have just transplanted it to a new growing location, you will need to give more water than usual. During both of those stages, your Common dandelion will put a lot of energy towards sprouting new roots that will then support future growth. For those roots to perform their best, they need a bit more moisture than they would at a more mature phase. After a few seasons, your Common dandelion will need much less water. Another growth stage in which this plant may need more water is during the bloom period. Flower development can make use of a significant amount of moisture, which is why you might need to give your Common dandelion more water at this time.

How should I water my Common dandelion through the seasons?

The Common dandelion will have its highest water needs during the hottest months of the year. During the height of summer, you may need to give this plant water more than once per week, depending on how fast the soil dries out. The opposite is true during the winter. In winter, your plant will enter a dormant phase, in which it will need far less water than usual. In fact, you may not need to water this plant at all during the winter months. However, if you do water during winter, you should not do so more than about once per month. Watering too much at this time will make it more likely that your Common dandelion will contract a disease.

What's the difference between watering my Common dandelion indoors and outdoors?

It is most common to grow the Common dandelion indoors for any gardener that does not live in temperate and tropical regions. Those gardeners should consider the fact that soil in a container can dry out a bit faster than ground soil. Also, the presence of drying elements such as air conditioning units can cause your Common dandelion to need water on a more frequent basis as well. if you planted it outside. When that is the case, it’s likely you won’t need to water your Common dandelion very much at all. If you receive rainfall on a regular basis, that may be enough to keep your plant alive. Alternatively, those who grow this plant inside will need to water it more often, as allowing rainwater to soak the soil will not be an option.

How can I prune my Common dandelion?

Pruning your Common dandelion is a fairly simple process. First, you will need a reliable set of hand pruners or hedge trimmers. You may use a clean pair of sharp scissors if you don’t have pruners or garden shears on hand. It’s important to always clean your gardening tools before and after using them to prevent the possibility of spreading disease or infection to other plants. To prune your Common dandelion simply allow your plant to go dormant over the Winter. Some time between late winter and early spring – or when new growth starts to appear – take your clean pruners or trimmers and cut away any dying, damaged, yellow or declining foliage. Repeat this process until you reach the base of the plant or until there are no dead pieces left to cut. When pruning, be careful not to damage the new growth that may be emerging near the base of your plant. These parts cannot be restored and pruning can increase the ventilation of the plants and facilitate their growth. Any pruning that is done to this plant should be cut straight across the blades or stems. No angled cuts are required. Diseased leaf blade foliage can be removed as it appears. This could be done anytime when your Common dandelion is growing.

What should I do after pruning my Common dandelion?

Once you’ve pruned your plant, you should dispose of the stems and leaves either by composting the healthy ones or throwing out the diseased parts. You can also fertilize just before or after pruning, which gives Common dandelion a little vitamin boost that can provide it the nutrients needed to better protect itself from any nearby pathogens or diseases. Do not water the Common dandelion immediately after pruning as this can lead to fungal infestation of the plants through the wounds. You don’t need much after care when you’re done pruning. It might benefit from light watering and some liquid plant food to encourage new growth.

How can I prune my Common dandelion during different seasons?

Early spring and late winter are the best times to prune your Common dandelion on a large scale. If you want to control the size of your Common dandelion, you can prune them as you wish, but be careful not to prune more than a third of the size of the plant. Yellow and diseased leaves may appear during the summer months when the Common dandelion is growing vigorously and these types of leaves need to be pruned back immediately. These parts of the Common dandelion cannot be restored and pruning increases the ventilation of the plant and facilitates its growth.

When should I prune my Common dandelion through different stages of growth?

Strategic pruning is usually done at different times of the year or during certain stages of growth depending on the plant. However, knowing when to prune your Common dandelion depends on where you live and how established your plant is. For example, if your Common dandelion is a new resident, it’s a good idea to wait until the plant starts to grow back before you start pruning. On the other hand, if your plant is already established, you will want to prune the dry or dead parts in plant before new leafy growth appears in early spring or late winter. This is the time of year when plants are dormant and pruning causes the least damage to them. This is also the best time of year to do more extensive pruning. It’s important to note that if Common dandelion is pruned too late in the season, it can leave new growth at risk for damage or disease. However, if your Common dandelion is indoors this is not a problem and you can prune at any time. Since this can affect the long-term health and appearance of your plant, it’s important to keep this in mind when deciding when and how to prune. As your Common dandelion grows larger over time, you can trim it as needed after annual pruning. Dead, damaged, or diseased leaf blade foliage can be removed as it appears. This could be done anytime when your Common dandelion is growing.

What type of sunlight does Common dandelion need?

Common dandelion needs full sun every day, and these plants rely on a minimum of six hours of sunlight to keep their leaves, roots, and blooms in a healthy state. Even though most perennials need six hours of sunlight a day, plants like the Orange Daylily or Giant Coreopsis could live off less sun for a minimum of three hours daily. Even though these perennial flowering plants can live with only three hours of direct sunlight, they won't be able to thrive like they would in sunnier conditions.

Can sunlight damage Common dandelion? How to protect Common dandelion from the sun and heat damage?

The few Perennial Flowering Plants that don't like excessive heat in warm climates might react poorly to too much sun if they have heat damage. These plants may wilt or dry out from too much sun and may also develop growth issues if they're regularly in the sun during the most intense heat of the day. Some plants don't need protection from the light afternoon sun, but those that are harmed by intense afternoon exposure should be provided some shade in warmer climates. Gardeners could give these plants plenty of shade by planting them in spots that don't receive direct heat during the afternoon, like under trees or behind bushes.

Should I protect Common dandelion from sun exposure?

While many perennial plants need plenty of sun to bloom to their fullest extent, some of them benefit from less sun in warmer climates. For example, people who live in hotter climates might want to provide shade for their flowering perennials in the hot afternoon sun, and this is even more true for months in the summer.

Even though some perennial flowering plants will benefit from partially shaded in the hottest climates, plants like the Giant Coreopsis aren't intimidated by too much sun. They might sit outside in the full sun in hot weather and still thrive.

What will happen if Common dandelion gets inadequate sunlight?

If you're growing Common dandelion and you aren't getting enough sunlight, you'll notice signs of inadequate requirements in your plants. Most plants won't produce as many blooms as they would if they had full sun exposure. Some plants will develop dry spots on their leaves, but most of these plants will still bloom in the inadequate sun. Even though they bloom, the flowers will be smaller and less full.

Does Common dandelion need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

Common dandelion is great flowers in gardens and will have optimum blooming if it gets six hours of sunlight a day minimum. Sometimes, flowers stay fresh longer if they're partially shaded during the really hot parts of the day. When Common dandelion is young, gardeners want to ensure their younger plants are getting plenty of sunlight but don't have to endure intense heat during the afternoon sunlight. If you have a fully mature plant, provide it with plenty of sun so it may keep up its growth properly.

How much light does Common dandelion need for photosynthesis?

Common dandelion will need a minimum of six hours of light to best support their photosynthesis cycles. These flowering plants need the sun to help their foliage and blooms grow. However, certain perennial flowering plants like the Giant Coreopsis might need anywhere from eight to twelve hours of full sun a day to maintain their large flowers and healthy foliage.

How much light should Common dandelion get per day to grow healthily?

If you want your Common dandelion to grow healthy and bloom as much as possible during its blooming season, you should try to give your plant six hours of direct sunlight. Some perennial plants might even do more sunlight and could sit in the sun for up to twelve hours, depending on the heat in the area and the general environment. Plants like the Red Hot Poker and Giant Coreopsis thrive in much hotter climates and might sit in all types of strong sunlight.

Some home gardeners have to use grow lights because their spaces don't allow for tons of outdoor sunlight. Most perennials could grow happily in grow lights, but they will need anywhere from eight to fourteen hours of artificial light to stay strong since these lights don't have as much power as the sun.

What is the optimal temperature for Common dandelion?

The best temperature for Common dandelion depends on the time of year. There are two primary seasons to discuss for temperature: the growing season, and the dormancy season. During the growing season, once Common dandelion has begun to sprout, the ideal temperature range should be anywhere from 65~80℉(18~27℃). Any colder than 15℉(-10℃), and the plant will suffer; its leaves may brown and wilt, but if this is a short cold snap, then Common dandelion may be able to survive with some help.

During the warmer parts of the year, Common dandelion will need to be similarly protected from temperatures that are too high. 95-105℉ (35-40℃) is the top of this plant’s temperature range, and anything above that will compromise the integrity of the foliage and blooms of Common dandelion. Hotter temperatures can cause wilting, drooping, and even sunburn on the leaves, which can be difficult for Common dandelion to recover from. There are quite a few ways to combat this issue that are quick and easy!

Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Common dandelion

If this is the first year of your Common dandelion outside as a new plant, then it may need a little extra tending during the coldest months of the year. Not only can frost more severely damage a first-year Common dandelion, but it can also prevent it from growing back as a healthy plant come spring. This plant needs to be kept at 40℉(5℃) or above when they’re not yet established, which can be done either by bringing your Common dandelion inside for a month or two, or putting up mulch or fabric barriers that protect from frost damage.

It’s also a good idea to plant Common dandelion in a shadier spot during the first year or two, as smaller and weaker plants have a more difficult time maintaining their own temperatures in the heat. First-year Common dandelion should receive no more than five hours of direct sunlight per day, particularly if the ambient daytime temperature gets above 80℉(27℃). Shadecloth and frequent watering or misting are the keys to summer heat control.

How can I protect Common dandelion from extreme temperatures?

If cold temperatures (below 15℉(-10℃)) do occur during the growing season, there are a few measures you can take to help protect Common dandelion from frost or cold damage. If you’re growing Common dandelion in a container, then the container can simply be brought inside in bright, indirect light until the temperatures rise up over the lower threshold again. Another option that’s better suited for ground-planted Common dandelion is to use mulch or horticultural fabric to create an insulated barrier around the plant, which will protect the plant from frost and cold wind.

For temperatures that are hotter than 80℉(27℃) in the shade during the day, be careful to only expose Common dandelion to six hours or less of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning hours. Putting up shade cloth, or a fine plastic mesh, can help reduce the amount of direct sunlight that hits the plant during the hottest parts of the day. You can also install a misting system that allows for a slow release of cooling mist around the base of the plant during the day to lower ground temperatures.

Dormant season temperature recommendations for Common dandelion

During the cold winter months, Common dandelion needs a certain measure of cold in order to stay in dormancy until it’s time to sprout. Sprouting too early, that is before the danger of the last frost has passed, can be fatal to Common dandelion, especially if it’s already had a head start when the frost hits. Winter temperatures should ideally stay below 32℉(0℃), but if they get up to 40℉(5℃), everything will be just fine.

An unexpected warm spell during the cold months, which can happen in more temperate climates like woodland rainforests, can trigger a premature sprout from Common dandelion. In this case, if there’s still imminent danger of frost, you may want to try covering it with clear plastic on stakes so that the cold has less of a chance of damaging the new sprout. This setup can be removed when the danger of frost has passed. Occasionally, Common dandelion will be able to resprout at the correct time without any help, but this method increases the chances of a successful second sprouting.

Why do I need to fertilize my Common dandelion?

The leaves of the Common dandelion comprise most of its main structure, and fertilization is one of the most impactful ways that you can ensure that those leaves look great while also serving their function. Proper fertilization will help your Common dandelion hold leaves with consistent color and a healthy texture.

Fertilization also works below the soil's surface to help your Common dandelion generate new roots and maintain the roots that are already part of the root system. This means that fertilization will not just keep your plant healthy now, but it will also help your plant be better capable of absorbing soil nutrients in the future.

When is the best time to fertilize my Common dandelion?

If you grow your Common dandelion outdoors each year, this perennial plant will send new growth shooting out in early spring. The emergence of those leaves is a sign that the time is right to begin fertilization for the year.

Often, a Common dandelion will perform just fine with a single application of fertilizer when the spring arrives. However, if you wish to maximize the growth of your Common dandelion, you can repeat the feeding multiple times throughout the spring and early summer. If you choose this route, you can feed your Common dandelion about once every month to a month and a half.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Common dandelion?

In the late fall and winter, your Common dandelion will enter a dormant phase in which it will no longer produce new growth. At this time, you should avoid fertilizing your Common dandelion. If you choose to fertilize multiple times during spring and summer, you should begin reducing your fertilization rate as summer approaches, as your Common dandelion 's growth rate will also slow.

Overall, it is never a wise choice to fertilize your Common dandelion during times when the weather is unseasonably hot or when the soil is extraordinarily dry. Fertilizing in either of those cases can stress your Common dandelion and cause it to perish prematurely.

What type of fertilizer does my Common dandelion need?

Fortunately, choosing the best fertilizer for a Common dandelion is a very straightforward task. These plants will thrive on a general-purpose garden fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A fertilizer that has a ratio of 10-10-10 or something similar will be very effective. When in doubt, be sure to avoid fertilizers that have high amounts of nitrogen.

Most of the best fertilizer for a Common dandelion will come in a granular form. These fertilizers should be slow-release and will be very easy to apply to the soil. It can also be helpful to feed your Common dandelion using an organic soil amendment such as compost.

How do I fertilize my Common dandelion?

Wait until your Common dandelion has just barely poked its first leaves through the soil's surface in early spring. Once you see that sign, apply a granular slow-release fertilizer with a balanced formula to the soil that surrounds the base of your Common dandelion.

You can repeat a similar process later in the season if you choose. When reapplying fertilizer to a Common dandelion, you should, again, apply the fertilizer to the soil at the base of the plant rather than to the plant itself. At times, this may require you to move some leaves out of the way to access the soil above the roots. It's also often a good choice to water your Common dandelion before and after you feed it.

What happens if I fertilize my Common dandelion too much?

The Common dandelion doesn't necessarily need to receive high volumes of fertilizer each year, which means overfertilization is entirely possible. If you overfertilize your Common dandelion, you will likely notice first that the leaves have turned brown.

Overfertilization of Common dandelion is especially common if you use a fertilizer that has higher concentrations of nitrogen. High nitrogen content will likely cause the leaves of your Common dandelion to become discolored, lose much of their moisture, and begin curling at the margins. Many gardeners avoid such complications by limiting fertilization of their Common dandelion to once per year in early spring.

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Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Common dandelion based on 10 million real cases

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.

Flower withering

Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.

Solutions: If flower withering is a natural progression due to age, there is nothing that can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible. For lack of water, immediately water the plant using room temperature rainwater, bottled spring water, or filtered tap water. Water container plants until excess water drains out the bottom; water in-ground plants until the soil is soaked but there isn’t standing water on the surface. In the event of nutritional deficiencies, the best solution is to use a granular or water-soluble liquid fertilizer, and apply it to the soil at about half the recommended dosage. Keep it off the leaves and make sure granular products are watered into the soil well. If the plant is infected with a bacterial or fungal pathogen, there is no course of treatment that cures the diseased plants. The best solution is to remove the infected plants and dispose of the plant material off-site. Do not put in a compost pile.

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.

Scars

Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.

Solutions: Each source of scarring requires a different approach to help your plant recover. Protect the trunk and leaves from physical damage like scrapes. If pests or disease are the cause of scarring, isolate the plant from others to avoid further spread. Some pests can be removed with organic remedies such as a soft cloth and soapy water solution or diluted isopropyl alcohol spray. Stop sunburn by moving your plant away from direct sunlight and making sure it has the water it needs. Frequent leaf or bud loss may be due to insufficient light or nutrients.

Leaf miners

Leaf miners scar the leaves with curved white streaks or rounded white spots with brown centers.

Solutions: Leaf miners, although relatively harmless at first, can quickly multiply and devastate your plants in the coming weeks. For severe cases: Spray an organic insecticide. For an organic solution, spray a diluted mixture of azadirachtin, a compound derived from neem seeds, above and below leaves. Spray a synthetic insecticide. Spray a product that contains spinosad, such as Entrust, making sure to cover all sides of the leaves. Introduce beneficial insects. Introduce beneficial insects that eat leaf miners, such as parasitic wasps or Syrphid flies. For less severe cases: Prune infected tissue. Remove and dispose of leaves that have any sign of leaf miner damage.

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Weed Control

Weeds

Common dandelion is thought to originate from Greece or even the Himalayas. The efficient spread via seeds and transportation, plus human uses and cultivation, means that it has become globally distributed – from the subtropics to the tundra. Common dandelion has a flowerhead with numerous small florets and each floret produces a seed. The seeds can fly or get carried far and wide because of their parachute-like fluff called pappus. Also, common dandelion quickly regenerates from any part of its long root left in the ground. Because it prefers compact and disturbed soils, common dandelion is most commonly a weed of cultivated fields and lawns.

How to Control it

Common dandelion is a rampant grower that’s difficult to eradicate. The best time to control it is in spring and autumn. Plants can be uprooted manually, making sure to remove the whole root. Pre-emergent weed killers can prevent seeds from sprouting, while selective broadleaf herbicides can control the spread without damaging the lawn. For large areas, tillage, rotary hoeing, and regular cultivation can be effective. Mowing can remove the flowers before they seed, but the plant will continue to spread vegetatively. If you opt for herbicide use, consult an agricultural expert to find the best active substance and application method for your geographic region. Spray on a windless day to avoid drift.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Grassland, cultivated ground

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Leaf Color

Green

Name story

Common dandelion

It is believed that everyone will feel like blowing away the dandelion's fluffy ball as if it blows away their sorrow. Weirdly, its name has nothing to do with its most distinctive ball feature. It actually comes from the French dent de lion, or "lion's tooth", in reference to the plant's jagged-edged leaves. It's also the most common species of the genus, so it's called common dandelion.

Symbolism

Faithfulness, Happiness, courage, health, perseverance

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Family

Daisy

Genus

Dandelions

Species

Common dandelion

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Trim the diseased, withered leaves once a month.

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Common dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Also known as: Lion's-Tooth, Yellow-Gowan, Priest's Crown, Pee-A-Bed, Swine's Snout, Wild Endive, Irish daisy, Cankerwort

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

Weeds

Care Guide for Common dandelion

Water

Fertilization

Pruning

Soil

Sand, Clay, Loam, Neutral, Alkaline

Potting Suggestions

Needs excellent drainage in pots.

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Questions About Common dandelion

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Common dandelion?

What should I do if I water my Common dandelion too much or too little?

How often should I water my Common dandelion?

How much water does my Common dandelion need?

How should I water my Common dandelion at different growth stages?

How should I water my Common dandelion through the seasons?

What's the difference between watering my Common dandelion indoors and outdoors?

How can I prune my Common dandelion?

What should I do after pruning my Common dandelion?

How can I prune my Common dandelion during different seasons?

When should I prune my Common dandelion through different stages of growth?

What type of sunlight does Common dandelion need?

Can sunlight damage Common dandelion? How to protect Common dandelion from the sun and heat damage?

Should I protect Common dandelion from sun exposure?

What will happen if Common dandelion gets inadequate sunlight?

Does Common dandelion need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

How much light does Common dandelion need for photosynthesis?

How much light should Common dandelion get per day to grow healthily?

What is the optimal temperature for Common dandelion?

Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Common dandelion

How can I protect Common dandelion from extreme temperatures?

Dormant season temperature recommendations for Common dandelion

Why do I need to fertilize my Common dandelion?

When is the best time to fertilize my Common dandelion?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Common dandelion?

What type of fertilizer does my Common dandelion need?

How do I fertilize my Common dandelion?

What happens if I fertilize my Common dandelion too much?

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Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Common dandelion based on 10 million real cases

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

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Flower withering

Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.

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Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

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Scars

Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.

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Leaf miners

Leaf miners scar the leaves with curved white streaks or rounded white spots with brown centers.

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Weed Control

Weeds

How to Control it

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Grassland, cultivated ground

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Leaf Color

Green

Name story

Common dandelion

Symbolism

Faithfulness, Happiness, courage, health, perseverance

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Family

Daisy

Genus

Dandelions

Species

Common dandelion

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