Although commonly dismissed as a weed, dandelion greens are highly nutritious and have been used in traditional medicines for centuries. The younger microgreen stage of dandelion offers a milder flavour than the harsh bitterness of the mature leaves. Dandelion microgreens add an amazing slightly bitter flavour to salads.
Dandelion is best suited to microgreen production but can also be sprouted. Sprouted dandlion produces quite a low yield.
Note: 2 grams of dandelion seed will fill one standard growing tray.
Latin name: Taraxacum
Health Benefits: High in vitamins A, , C, and K, beta carotene calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium.
Microgreen Instructions:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Soak: No
- Germination time: 2 -3 days
- Harvest from: 10 - 14 days
- Flavour/texture: Slight bitter flavour
Instructions:
1. Sow your seeds directly on your prepared growing surface - no need to cover with soil if using.
2. Place a tray directly on the seeds and weigh down to ensure good contact with the growing medium and to help the roots dig deep.
3. Keep weighed until the seedlings have germinated and are beginning to push against the weight.
4. Place in blackout when the seedlings are about 2cm tall - use blackout to stretch your seedlings to your desired length.
5. Place in a sunny location or under grow lights to green up your microgreens.
6. Harvest as soon as the seed leaves (cotelydons) have developed fully. Alternatively let grow on for several days to allow the serrated true leaf to form.
