Dandelion (dandelion greens): income per mu, growing from seed, and answers on eating it raw
Dandelion is a perennial herbaceous plant, cultivated in many countries, and even more widely distributed in China, where the number of units or individuals cultivating it artificially is also growing day by day. The market prospects for dandelion are considerable, so do you know how much income dandelion brings per mu? What are the seed planting methods? Can it be eaten raw? According to Uncle Li Chunbang, a dandelion grower in Jiangsu, the large-leaf dandelion he grows yields more than two thousand kilograms per mu, a rather considerable return. Income per mu can reach about 20,000 yuan.
I. Dandelion seed planting methods
1. Suitable temperature
Mature dandelion seeds have no dormant period, and can be sown when the temperature is around 15 degrees. Dandelion seeds can sprout in about 3 to 4 days. When the soil temperature is around 15 degrees, that is the most suitable temperature for dandelion seed germination.
2. Seed collection
When collecting dandelion seeds, be careful never to wait until the flower head splits open before harvesting. When the outer shell of the dandelion flower head turns yellow-green and the seeds turn brown, they can be harvested.
3. Sowing preparation
Sow immediately after collecting the seeds around the end of May; from sowing to emergence takes about 10-20 days. If sown in summer during July-August, then from sowing to emergence takes about 15 days.
4. Sowing
Plant the dandelion seeds in a pot, and after sowing cover with soil to a depth of about 0.3-0.5 cm. When sowing, be sure to keep the soil moist. If sowing in spring, it is best to cover with plastic film; if sowing in summer, covering is not necessary.
5. Fertilizer and water management
Dandelion generally does not need pest and disease control; the main tasks are fertilizing and watering. Dandelion likes fertile, loose, moist soil rich in organic matter. So when growing dandelion, do a good job of fertilizing. After sowing, also keep the soil at appropriate moisture. During the growing season, apply topdressing 1-2 times.
II. Can dandelion be eaten raw?
Dandelion is a traditional Chinese medicine with the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. It can be eaten directly; at home we often eat it. There are mainly three ways to eat it:
1. Cold salad
Pick fresh, tender green dandelion leaves, wash them clean with water, blanch them briefly in boiling water, then add seasonings to your own taste and it can be eaten as a cold dish.
2. Making soup
Pick fresh, tender green dandelion leaves, wash them clean with water, and simply add them in as a green vegetable when making soup.
3. Brewing tea
You can also take the whole dandelion plant, wash it clean and brew it as tea.
However, no matter which way it is eaten, dandelion must not be eaten in large amounts continuously; eating too much easily causes gastrointestinal discomfort. Some people may experience intestinal discomfort and diarrhea in the early stages of eating it.