dandelion

Dandelions should be watered on a regular basis but not to the point of saturation. It is important to make sure the soil is damp, but not soggy. Depending on the climate, they should be watered 1-2 times per week, or when the soil is dry approximately 2-3 inches below the surface. If you overwater the plant, the leaves may turn yellow and the plant can suffer from root rot. Water early in the morning to allow enough time for the water to evaporate before the evening to avoid having moist foliage overnight.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) requires full sunlight for the best growth and flowering. It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can tolerate partial sun, especially in the morning hours. Patches of morning shade are ideal. It is best to avoid direct afternoon sun, as it can cause wilting in the heat of the day. Dandelion is a drought tolerant plant, so it does not require a lot of watering, but it will benefit from additional water during periods of extended dryness.

Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) should generally be pruned in late winter into early spring before new growth appears. Pruning too late in the season may remove flower buds. Prune dandelions down to about 4 inches tall, cutting all the leaves off at the ground level. This encourages a more compact, bushy form. Remove any flower buds that are present, as these will produce seeds and dandelions can self-sow quite prolifically if left unchecked. Deadheading spent flowers can also promote continued flowering.