How to Plant Dandelions
Dandelions are not only precious plants for both medicine and food but also highly ornamental garden flowers. Mastering the correct planting techniques for dandelions can not only yield fresh leaves for making health teas but also allow for the appreciation of their fluffy puffballs' natural beauty. This article will systematically explain the key technical points from seed treatment to daily management.
Key Steps in Dandelion Planting Techniques
Seed Harvesting and Preprocessing
Mature flower heads need to be processed with care: Place the harvested white fluffy seeds in a constant temperature environment of 25°C for 48 hours, then move them to a well-ventilated shaded area to dry for 3-5 days after the flower heads naturally disperse. When manually rubbing off the pappus, wear cotton gloves to avoid damaging the embryo. The processed seeds should be deep brown and have a moisture content of ≤8%.
Intelligent Germination Technology
Using the variable temperature stratification germination method is the most effective: Mix the seeds with moist vermiculite in a 1:3 ratio, maintain 20-25°C/8 hours during the day, and lower the temperature to 5-8°C/16 hours at night, and spray to keep moist twice a day. This method can increase the germination rate to over 85%, shortening the traditional germination period by 10 days.
Scientific Substrate Mixing Ratio
The ideal cultivation substrate should meet the dual characteristics of breathability and fertility retention: Humus (40%) + Perlite (20%) + Coconut bran (15%) + Bone meal (15%) + Wood ash (10%). Add 50g of slow-release fertilizer granules per cubic meter, adjust the pH to 6.5-7.0, and recommend a substrate thickness of ≥25cm.
Detailed Dandelion Management System
Light, Water, Temperature, and Fertilization Control
Maintain a light intensity of 20000-30000Lux during the seedling stage, and increase it to 50000Lux for mature plants. Use the "dry-wet alternating" irrigation method: Water thoroughly when the topsoil is dry for 2cm, and apply EM bacteria solution (1:500) twice a month. Applying phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (N-P-K=5-15-30) during the budding stage can increase the content of medicinal ingredients.
Eco-friendly Pest and Disease Control
Establish a biological control system: Hang 20 yellow sticky traps per 10㎡ and interplant with rosemary to repel aphids. When the initial symptoms of powdery mildew are detected, immediately spray a mixture of baking soda solution (5g/L) + diatomaceous earth (10g/L), treating continuously 3 times/week.
Mastering these core technical points can achieve annual dandelion production. It is recommended to use a stepped sowing method, sowing every 15 days, combined with intelligent greenhouse control, to achieve an annual harvest of 8-10 batches. During the planting process, pay attention to establishing growth records, recording morphological indicators at each stage, and continuously optimizing the cultivation plan.