Dandelion (Taraxacum ciliatum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Dandelion on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
About Dandelion
Taraxacum ciliatum, commonly known as Ciliate Dandelion, is a small perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is distinguished by its lobed and toothed basal leaves, and its characteristic yellow flowers that form solitary heads on hollow stems. It is ideal for rock gardens, path borders, or as an ornamental wild plant, adding a rustic and natural touch.
Native range
Mountainous regions of Central and Southern Europe, and parts of Western Asia.
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade exposure and adapts to a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings, and more frequent during dry periods. A nutrient-poor substrate is sufficient, as it is a hardy plant. A common mistake is to remove it indiscriminately, as although often considered a 'weed', it is a valuable plant for pollinators.
How to save a dying Dandelion
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, wilted, lifeless leaves. Poor flowering or weak, small flowers.
- First aid
- Replant to better-draining spot if waterlogged, or water if soil is dry. Ensure 4-6h of sun.
- What kills it
- Too much shade, very compacted or waterlogged soil. Also, complete lack of watering in dry periods.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's very resilient. If the main stem is still green and there's no extensive rot, it will recover.