
Photo: Greg HumeCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Korean Dandelion Plant Care
Taraxacum coreanum Nakai
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's glossy, deep green leaves are its most distinctive visual feature. Originating from South Korea, Taraxacum coreanum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in various climates. The striking appearance of its leaves makes it a standout addition to any collection.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Korean Dandelion?
Plant Korean Dandelion in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 3–5 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Korean Dandelion?
Korean Dandelion (Taraxacum coreanum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Taraxacum genus. Korean Dandelion is native to yards, gardens, sides of roads, among crops, and in many other habitats. Korean Dandelion is also known as Taraxacum glabrisquamum, Taraxacum pseudoalbidum, Taraxacum taquetii.
Korean Dandelion displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Korean Dandelion produces bright yellow composite flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Korean Dandelion?
Water a young or newly planted Korean 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Korean Dandelion Need?
Korean Dandelion thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Korean Dandelion Prefer?
Taraxacum coreanum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Korean Dandelion prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Korean Dandelion?
Well-draining, loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Korean Dandelion to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Korean Dandelion?
Feed Korean Dandelion every 2 months 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.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Korean Dandelion?
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.
Korean 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Korean Dandelion?
Korean 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.
How Do You Prune a Korean Dandelion?
Prune Korean 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.
How Do You Care for a Korean Dandelion in Winter?
Korean 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.
How Do You Propagate a Korean Dandelion?
Korean Dandelion can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to taraxacum albiflorum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Korean Dandelion Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Korean Dandelion, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Korean Dandelion?
Korean 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Korean Dandelion Need?
Korean Dandelion grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Korean Dandelion is native to yards, gardens, sides of roads, among crops, and in many other habitats. In cooler regions, grow Korean Dandelion as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Korean Dandelion is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Taraxacum genus — compare its care with other Taraxacum species on PlantoScan.
Taraxacum is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Korean Dandelion thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Taraxacum Species
Other Taraxacum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Taraxacum coreanum Nakai, family Asteraceae (first published in Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 46: 62 (1932)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Korean Dandelion, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Greg Hume, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
