Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade

Watermoderate

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomassmoderate

Apple

Dandelions are thought to attract beneficial insects and bring up nutrients from deep in the soil.

Crab apple

Attracts beneficial insects and brings up nutrients from deep in the soil.

JFMAMJJASOND

emergenceEmergence of new leaves in early spring after the last frost and when soil temperatures rise above 5 C.

floweringFlowering begins approximately one month after emergence, continuing through spring and early summer with lengthening days.

fruitingFruiting (seed production) follows shortly after flowering, with seeds maturing over several weeks.

senescenceFoliage begins to die back with the first autumn frosts and shortening day lengths.

dormancyEnters dormancy after hard frosts, typically lasting through winter until spring.

Drainagewell-drained to moist

Nitrogen fixingNo

MycorrhizalNo

Accumulatespotassium, calcium, iron, magnesium

Soil textureloam, clay, sandy_loam

Organic matterMedium

Compaction toleranceHigh

Methodsseed, root_cuttings

Difficulty1 / 5

Establishes in~1 yr

Self-seedingAggressive

Divisionspring

Attractsbees, hoverflies, butterflies

Can host pestsaphids