Plant Description:
Taraxacum bessarabicum (Hornem.) Hand.-Mazz., commonly known as the Bessarabian dandelion, is a species of perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
General Appearance:
The plant typically grows up to 30cm tall and has leaves that form a rosette at the base of the plant. The leaves are deeply lobed, with toothed edges, and can grow up to 30cm in length. The stem is hollow and bears a solitary yellow flower head that is about 4cm wide. The plant also has a taproot that can grow up to 60cm deep.
Common Uses:
The Bessarabian dandelion has a long history of medicinal uses. In traditional medicine, the roots of the plant have been used to treat digestive issues, liver disease, and skin conditions. The leaves of the plant can be eaten raw or cooked and have a slightly bitter taste. They are highly nutritious and are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium. The plant is also used in herbal teas and as a coffee substitute.
Recently, the Bessarabian dandelion has attracted attention as a potential source of natural rubber. Researchers have found that the plant produces a type of latex that can be used to make rubber, which could be a valuable alternative to synthetic rubber.
Light Requirements
Taraxacum bessarabicum grows best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Taraxacum bessarabicum is a hardy perennial that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as -40°C (-40°F) to as high as 30°C (86°F). It can survive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10.
Soil Requirements
Taraxacum bessarabicum prefers well-drained, loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils (pH 6-7.5) and even in nutrient-poor soils.
The plant is also tolerant of some soil salinity and can grow in soils with soluble salt levels up to 3g/L.
Cultivation Methods
Taraxacum bessarabicum (Hornem.) Hand.-Mazz., commonly known as Bessarabian dandelion, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is a hardy plant and easy to grow in most soil types in full sun to partial shade. The plant prefers well-drained soils and grows best in USDA zones 4-9.
To grow Bessarabian dandelion, plant the seeds in the spring or fall. Choose a well-drained location, with loose soil, and spread the seeds about ¼ inch deep into the soil. Water the soil, but avoid overwatering that may lead to root rot. Germination typically occurs within two weeks, and the plant reaches maturity in about three years.
Watering Needs
Bessarabian dandelion requires consistent watering to maintain growth and development. Watering should be regular but not excessive. The plant prefers evenly moist soil but tolerates drier soil conditions. Overwatering may result in root rot, and under-watering can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die.
It is best to water the plant in the morning, allowing time for the soil to dry before nightfall, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Watering should not be done during the hottest part of the day, as much of the water will evaporate before the plant can absorb it.
Fertilization
Like most plants, Bessarabian dandelion requires essential nutrients to sustain growth and development. Fertilization should be done in the early spring when new growth appears. Apply a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 every four to six weeks.
It is best to avoid over-fertilizing, as it may lead to excessive foliage production and a reduction in flower formation. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer label, applying the specified amount per square foot of soil. Fertilization can be stopped during the winter months when the plant goes dormant.
Pruning
Bessarabian Dandelion requires minimal pruning, and it is best to avoid pruning unless necessary. Dead or damaged leaves can be removed at any time, and flowering stems can be cut back to the base once blooming is complete. Removing faded flowers will encourage new blooms to form.
The plant may become too large for its location, and if so, it may be necessary to prune it. Pruning should be done in the late fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. Cut back one-third of the plant's stems, and remove any dead or diseased stems.
Propagation of Taraxacum bessarabicum
Taraxacum bessarabicum (Hornem.) Hand.-Mazz., commonly known as the Bessarabian dandelion, is a herbaceous perennial plant with yellow flowers. Propagation of Taraxacum bessarabicum can be done through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Taraxacum bessarabicum can be collected from mature seed heads in late summer or early autumn. These seeds can be sown immediately after collection or stored for later use. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves, they can be transplanted to larger containers or directly into the garden.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Taraxacum bessarabicum by cuttings involves taking a stem from a mature plant and rooting it in soil or water. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants in the spring or early summer. The stem should be approximately 8-10 cm long and have at least 2 leaves. Remove the lower leaves and place the stem in a rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the cutting moist and out of direct sunlight until roots begin to develop, which typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Propagation by Division
Taraxacum bessarabicum can also be propagated by division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with its own stem and root system. Divisions can be taken in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp knife to divide the root ball into smaller segments. Plant each division in well-draining soil and keep it moist until it becomes established.
Disease Management for Taraxacum bessarabicum
Taraxacum bessarabicum is susceptible to several diseases including leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. To manage these diseases, it is essential to adopt good cultural practices, including proper watering, fertilization, and pruning, to keep the plant healthy.
Leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora taraxaci, can be managed by ensuring proper spacing of the plants to promote air circulation, removing fallen leaves, and applying fungicides. Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum, can be managed by applying fungicides and regularly removing infected leaves and plant debris. Root rot, caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, can be managed by ensuring well-drained soil, avoiding overwatering, and removing infected plants.
Pest Management for Taraxacum bessarabicum
Taraxacum bessarabicum is also susceptible to several pests, including aphids, flea beetles, and slugs.
Aphids can be managed by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil. However, before spraying, it is important to ensure that there are no beneficial insects on the plants, as they may also be affected by the insecticide. Flea beetles can be managed by covering the plants with row covers or applying insecticides. Slugs can be managed by removing plant debris and placing copper barriers around the plants to prevent them from crawling onto the leaves.
Regular monitoring of plants and early detection of pests and diseases can help prevent their spread and minimize damage to the plants. Adopting good cultural practices, such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning, can also help keep the plants healthy and resistant to pests and diseases.
