Artificial cultivation of dandelion
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Dandelion, commonly known as "mother-in-law's tongue," "yellow viola," "dicot," or "Pu-pomiao," is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. It has been widely used in traditional medicine for its properties of clearing heat, detoxifying, and relieving pain. Beyond its medicinal value, the tender seedlings and young leaves of dandelion are also edible, often consumed raw in salads, stir-fries, soups, or pickled. However, due to the overharvesting of wild dandelion populations, artificial cultivation has become essential to meet growing demand.
Dandelion is highly adaptable, thriving in a variety of climates. It can withstand both high and low temperatures, as well as humidity and cold. Its strong disease resistance makes it a relatively easy plant to grow, with few pests or diseases affecting its growth. As a result, it can be cultivated in most regions across China.
Soil preparation is crucial for successful dandelion cultivation. The ideal soil should be loose, fertile, moist, and well-drained, such as sandy loam. The planting area should be tilled to a depth of 20–25 cm, with ridges about 1.2–1.5 meters wide and 15 cm high, or small ridges 45 cm wide. Before planting, apply 4,000–4,500 kg of organic fertilizer per acre, along with 15 kg of superphosphate, and mix it evenly into the soil.
For sowing, seeds can be soaked in 50°C water and then germinated at 25°C. Dandelion seeds have no dormancy period, so they can be planted directly in open fields from spring to autumn. In winter, greenhouse sowing is recommended. Two common methods include drilling and broadcasting. For drilling, create shallow furrows spaced 25–30 cm apart on the ridge surface, sow seeds 1 cm deep, and cover lightly. The seeding rate is approximately 50 grams per mu. For broadcasting, spread seeds evenly on flat ground at a rate of 1,000 grams per acre, then water them after sowing. Seedlings usually emerge within 7–10 days.
In greenhouses, sowing typically occurs between late November and early December, followed by transplanting. Using greenhouses or arch-shaped sheds, agricultural film can be applied between February and March of the following year, allowing for early harvests in late March. This timing often results in higher market prices and better profits.
Field management involves regular weeding and loosening of the soil. After every 10 days, cultivate and remove weeds until the ridges are fully covered. Once the ridges are closed, manual weeding is required, and thinning of seedlings should be done to ensure proper spacing—3–5 cm between seedlings and 8–10 cm between plants. In greenhouses, spacing should be around 6 cm.
Water and fertilizer management are critical for healthy growth. Maintain consistent soil moisture and fertility throughout the growing season. After each harvest, apply nitrogen fertilizer during watering. Avoid watering for 3–4 days post-harvest to prevent root rot. During the growing period, apply one or two additional fertilizations, using 10–14 kg of urea and 5–6 kg of potassium dihydrogen phosphate per acre. Keep the soil consistently moist. In fall, apply frozen water before winter and add 2,500 kg of organic fertilizer and 20 kg of superphosphate per acre. In spring, when the plants start regrowing, apply 10–15 kg of urea mixed with 8 kg of superphosphate per acre.
Harvesting begins in the first year, either by picking outer leaves or cutting off non-heart leaves. From the second year onward, plants can be harvested every 15–20 days. When the leaves reach 10–15 cm in length, the entire plant can be harvested, bundled, and sold. A single plant can be harvested 2–4 times annually, with 1–2 harvests in spring and 1–2 in autumn. If harvested for medicinal use, the entire rooted plant can be dug up in late autumn.