Different Types Of Dandelions

Dandelion (Taraxacum) is a unique flowering weed in the daisy family, it is in high demand especially in agriculture due to its high abundance. With a history of diffusion and numerous medicinal uses dating back to the Roman Empire, there are over 40 of these dandelion species around the world that still thrive today due to their rapid reproduction and ease of crossbreeding.

Dandelion generally has a perennial taproot system, and in sprouting time seedlings rise less than an inch of soil depth. Dandelion roots survive the harsh winter months with ease, so each of these common plants produces an average of 15,000 seeds per year.

Dandelion seeds are not always long-lived but can be carried great distances by wind updrafts, allowing the plants to germinate in mature years. All of this goes a long way in explaining the abundance of grasses. Apart from the sheer numbers, the dandelion’s unique combo reproductive system is also responsible for the enormous diversity of dandelion species.

Dandelions reproduce via both apomixis (that is, they do not require pollination to obtain seeds, and individual seeds essentially float before cloning their parents) and sexual reproduction, Therefore, crossbreeding is common among dandelion species, notes The Guardian. Like mountain ash, bramble, and willow, this species crossbreeding results in so-called microseeds under dandelions.

If you’re a country dweller, the idea of ​​intentionally growing dandelion seeds might amuse you, especially if your lawn or neighboring fields are teeming with dandelions. Gardeners regret breeding dandelions from seeds by blowing the seeds off the dandelion heads. But the more you learned about these perennial herbs, the more you came to see them not as troublesome weeds, but as amazing plants in their own right. Did you know that dandelions are said to have medicinal properties? Bees and other pollinators also rely on them as a source of nectar early in the growing season. That’s true! what are you looking for Learn how to grow dandelion seeds and when to sow.

How to Grow Dandelion Seeds

You may be wondering when you should plant dandelions in your garden. The sowing of the seeds starts at any time from early spring to early autumn. As for spacing, we recommend 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm) apart with 12 inches (30.5 cm) between plants for growing dandelion seeds.

If you want to grow only young salad leaves in a continuous crop, sowing the seeds more densely in short rows every few weeks is a viable alternative. Consider chilling the seeds in the refrigerator for about a week before planting.

Dandelion seeds need light to germinate, so instead of completely submerging the seeds in the soil, lightly press or tuck them into the surface of the soil. A suggestion for better germination and an effective result is to maintain the planting area always damp throughout the season. Saplings should arise within two weeks of sowing.

Here are some of the most common types of dandelions.

The common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

It is the familiar bright yellow dandelion that appears on roadsides, meadows, riverbanks and, of course, lawns. Despite being an invasive weed, this dandelion has value as a medicinal and culinary herb.

The red-seeded dandelion (Taraxacum erythrospermum)

It resembles the common dandelion and is often confused with, but the red-seeded dandelion has reddish stems. It is native to Europe but is also found in northern regions of North America. The red-seed dandelion is believed to be a variety of Taraxacum laevigatum (rock dandelion).

The Russian dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz)

It is native to the mountainous regions of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Russian dandelion, also known as Kazakh dandelion, resembles the more familiar dandelion but has thicker leaves and a greyish tint. The fleshy roots are high in rubber and are a potential alternative source of high-quality rubber.

The Japanese dandelion (taraxacum albidum)

It is aboriginal to southern japan and thrives along roadsides and meadows. This plant very much looks a like a typical dandelion but is not weedy or fierce. Gorgeous pure white flowers entice butterflies and some other pollinators.

The California dandelion (taraxacum californicum)

It is a wildflower. It is originally from the mountains of California. This plant corresponds to the ordinary dandelion. The foliage color is a more delicate tint of green and the blossoms are creamier yellow. The California dandelion is jeopardized by urbanization, weather change, and off-road conveyances.

The pink dandelion (Taraxacum pseudoroseum)

It resembles the common dandelion.  Though the flowers are pastel pink with a yellow center, making them one of the rarest and most diverse dandelion flowers. Native to the high grasslands of Central Asia, pink dandelions can grow like weeds.

Flesh-like Dandelion (Taraxacum carneocoloratum)

Also known as the pink dandelion because of its pale pink or pinkish-purple flowers.

Fleshy dandelions are native to alpine ridges, gravel plains, and scree fields from 500 to 2500 meters above sea level. Thick dandelions can also be found on well-drained floodplains and river terraces. This type of dandelion is common in Alaska and Yukon.

Fasciated or fused Dandelion

Fascia Dandelion is not an endemic species of dandelion per se. But you can come across them and this will help you identify what you’re seeing.

Fascioplasty is a malformation. Genetic mutations are responsible for this, such as viral or bacterial infections, or environmental factors. Fascia dandelion has thick stems and large flower heads and looks like multiple dandelions stems growing in clusters.

Horned dandelion (Taraxacum ceratophorum)

Taraxacum ceratophorum or horned dandelion or alpine dandelion can thrive to a new level in your garden. Dandelion is generally from North America. It grows in mountains, spreads in meadows, and sprouts from cracks in rocks.

This plant can grow 1 to 10 stems. The characteristic of this plant is large flowering heads of yellow flowers and lobed green leaves, sometimes with coarse teeth. The leaves are more tender than the desired dandelion and have rounded with tapering ends. Korean Dandelion (Taraxacum platycarpum)

Korean Dandelion

Korean Dandelion flowers from March to May, sometimes in late fall. This type of dandelion is commonly seen on roadsides and in cultivated areas. The leaves resemble the common dandelion and have deeply lobed leaves that grow up to 8 inches long.

Korean dandelions have slightly downy stems. The dandelion grows up to 12 inches tall and has many small flower heads on top. The plant usually gives flowers in spring. However, it can also occur in late autumn.
In Korea, this type of dandelion is abundantly found. But it also grows in Japan and China. All parts of this dandelion herb are edible.

Are some dandelions poisonous?

Dandelion leaves are non-toxic when consumed in normal amounts. Dandelion leaves are edible and used to add different flavors to soups and salads. However, there have been cases of children getting sick from eating dandelion stems that contain milky latex. The leaves are also high in oxalates, which can be harmful in large amounts.

Do dandelions come in different colors?

Dandelions usually have yellow flowers and green leaves. But you can also find dandelions of different colors. Dandelion flowers can be pink, white, pale pink, or pinkish purple, depending on the species. and the purple-leaved dandelion (Taraxacum rubifolium) has burgundy/maroon leaves.

Is the pink dandelion exist?

Pink dandelions are authentic. Most of the dandelion blossoms have yellow-tinted flowers. But there are dandelions with pink shade also. Dandelion species have pink flowers which are present in many species such as Taraxacum pseudoroseum and Taraxacum carneocoloratum.

Do dandelions have poisonous doubles?

Dandelion doubles are non-toxic. It is edible and brings a different flavor to food. People mainly focus on the leaves because they are the tastiest and most nutritious part. They may also provide other health benefits such as medicinal properties.