Taraxacum campylodes
Taraxacum campylodes · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant taraxacum campylodes: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Common dandelion, Dandelion
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Type
- Perennial herb
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer (April-June)
- Adult size
- 15 to 40 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-20 °C and below)
- Origin
- Temperate regions of the Palearctic
Care
Watering
Taraxacum campylodes adapts remarkably well to a wide range of moisture levels. Moderate watering during active growth is sufficient; the plant tolerates drought well once established. Avoid persistent waterlogging, which promotes root rot.
Light exposure
Place this species in full sun (minimum 6 hours) to achieve optimal flowering and vigorous foliage. It tolerates partial shade and adapts to partial conditions, though flowering will be slightly less abundant.
Soil
This plant is very undemanding regarding soil composition. It prefers well-drained, fertile substrate, but adapts to poor, compacted, or even chalky soils. Slightly alkaline to neutral soil is ideal.
Pruning and cutting
No strict pruning is necessary. Remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming and limit self-seeding if desired. At the end of the season, cut the clump back to ground level to promote fresh foliage renewal.
Fertilizer
Minimal fertilizer is needed, or none at all on moderately fertile soils. In very poor soil, well-decomposed compost or balanced fertilizer applied in spring will be beneficial.
Diseases and pests
Taraxacum campylodes is naturally robust. Watch for dandelion rust (orange spots) and aphids in very humid conditions. Good air circulation and moderate moisture management prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Dandelion has long been used in herbal medicine and traditional cuisine in many European cultures. Its French name "pissenlit" comes from well-known diuretic properties recognized by medieval herbalists. Taraxacum campylodes is distinguished by its bracts (small leaves beneath the flower) curved downward, a characteristic that makes it a particularly studied botanical species.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.