Dandelion

in : Problems: Weeds

Symptoms

Clump of leaves growing from a single or multiple point. Leaves and flower stalks ooze a milky substance when snapped. Bright yellow-orange flowers are followed by a fluffy seedhead or dandelion 'clock'.
Find it on established flowerbeds, cracks in paving, garden walls, lawns
Time to act spring, summer, autumn

Problem categories

Overview

Dandelions can spread quickly via seed to colonise freshly cultivated soil, and are able to survive in compacted soil in lawns. The deep tap root allows them to survive and re-grow when the top of the plant is cut off. Seed can blow in from surrounding gardens, fields and waste-ground.
Solution
Clump of leaves growing from a single or multiple point. Leaves and flower stalks ooze a milky substance when snapped. Bright yellow-orange flowers are followed by a fluffy seedhead or dandelion 'clock'.
Organic
Remove the whole tap root by digging down into the soil with a knife or spike-like daisy grubber. Stop plants from setting seed by removing flowers before they produce fluffy seeds.
Chemical
Dandelions growing in paving or flowerbeds can be treated by applying a systemic weedkiller at the leaves. A selective lawn weedkiller or a lawn feed and weed product can be used on dandelions growing in lawns.

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Talkback: Dandelion
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PamelaJ 24/11/2011 at 15:28

I find common salt - you know the type you use for cooking - will kill a dandelion right down to the root - yes it leave you a white patch in your lawn, but that soon grows over!

FlamingJune 24/11/2011 at 15:28

Thanks PJ. I will try this.

welhcs 24/11/2011 at 15:28

I'll try the salt option too but plan to double up withg a feed and weed approach too. I'm Clive from Ipswich.

adderbite 24/11/2011 at 15:28

Salt-now thats a new one on me. Will try this as im overrun with them all over my garden, but I need to save a few for the guinea pigs!!

manicgavinski 24/11/2011 at 15:28

i will to try the salt approach though i have spent around 2 hours on my hands and knee's digging them out. im hoping the salt will kill any roots that may remain. thanks gav from s.wales

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