Grow Garnet Stem, Italian Dandelion from freshly harvested Cichorium intybus herb seeds. Garnet Stem, Italian Dandelion will produce deep green leaves with red colored stems. The leaves of these delicious plants can be used in salads to add a bright contrasting color. Believe it or not, they are also popularly grown to feed pet tortoises & rabbits as well, its one of our best sellers for this purpose.
Garnet Stem, Italian Dandelion is easily established from seeds and is grown as an annual herb. The plants will grow quickly, producing delicious foliage for harvesting, and will later die with the first frost. They do fairly well in moderately cooler climates and warmer regions as well.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Annual
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Green Leaves
- Height: 12″ – 18″ Tall
- Width: 8″ Spread
- Harvest: 35 to 45 Days
- Uses: Culinary
- Environment: Full Sunlight
Sowing The Seed
Italian Dandelion is best established directly outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Begin by clearing the sowing area of all unwanted plant life. Distribute the seeds to the surface of the soil, covering them thinly with roughly 1/8″of topsoil. Allowing a bit of direct lighting will help the seeds germinate.
Growing Conditions
Italian Dandelion plants will thrive in an area that receives full sunlight for the majority of the day. Temperatures should be at least 65F to 70F for optimal growth. Although Italian Dandelion is not picky on soil conditions, it does prefer a moderate to fairly, well drained medium. Water the seeds daily until germination occurs, lessening as they age.
Germination & Growth
Italian Dandelion seeds will begin to germinate in roughly 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will grow quickly, maturing to a height of about 12 to 18 inches tall, spreading to a width of 12 to 18 inches wide. Cichorium is widely used in salads to add a contrasting color to spruce things up. Also used to feed pet rabbits and tortoises as well.