Dandelion Plant Care

Dandelion (Taraxacum abax) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Taraxacum genus. Dandelion is native to Arctic regions.

Dandelion displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Dandelion produces bright yellow composite flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dandelion every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Dandelion thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Taraxacum abax tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Dandelion prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Dandelion to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dandelion every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, loamy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dandelion is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Dandelion can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Dandelion while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Dandelion is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Dandelion can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to taraxacum albiflorum plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Dandelion is susceptible to aphids, flea beetles, leafhoppers. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Dandelion grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Dandelion is native to Arctic regions. In cooler regions, grow Dandelion as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.