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Let me take you back in time to remember when the sun had started to warm the air, the seasonal snows were over, orders from the seed catalogs were arriving daily, and the signs of spring were peeping out around the corner. Before you knew it, May had arrived. And so had the yellow headed lawn monsters …DANDELIONS!

The attack on dandelions begins now. The life span of a dandelion can range anywhere from 3 years to 13 years and even longer. That fact alone raised my red-flag alertness as to what can be done to eradicate these guys. To follow the life cycle of a dandelion, I think it best to begin when they are the most attractive. All the “littles” (and I am speaking of toddlers) love to be outdoors and bring bouquets of yellow flowers with the anticipation of mommy smiles and excitement of finding just the right vase to submerge the wimping-over stems. And for the ecologically minded, honeybees keep “busy” buzzing from one yellow head to another seeking an early season food source. Did you know that the long tap root of the dandelion is considered a benefit to the soil? That is an article for another day.

A seed develops from each of the small slender yellow petals. Each flower may produce hundreds of seeds and the plant itself may produce thousands of seeds. Maybe a week later, the puff balls appear. Once again, the “littles” are outside blowing on those puff balls scattering seeds far and wide. It’s not only the “littles” at work scattering seeds, but does the wind, dogs walking across the lawn, grass being mowed, and other such disruptions to the seed head. The seed germinates in the ground and begins to grow. The leaves become visible. Stems form and we are back to seeing the yellow head.

Dandelions are a perennial broadleaf weed. This means they will grow in the spring and summer seasons, die back in the winter season, and re-emerge in the spring; just like how the perennial flowers in your garden do. If you have ever attempted to pull a dandelion, root and all, you became aware the tap root can be very stubborn and deep. This is one of the unique features of this weed that make it a challenge to control. Some suggest dandelions may never be completely eradicated from the lawn. However there are many gardeners who see this as a gauntlet thrown down and will accept the challenge.

There are mechanical and cultural ways to control dandelions. If not too many, removing them one at time may be sufficient. Keep in mind the importance of removing the entire root. As well as remembering the root itself can and may produce a separate plant. Samples of cultural management include mowing the lawn frequently and keeping the height near three to four inches high. Additionally, keep the lawn well irrigated and fertilized throughout the growing season. Consider the shaded areas of the lawn. Dandelions thrive in the shade. Keeping trees pruned to allow sunlight to shine through and planting shade tolerant grasses may be beneficial as management suggestions.

Probably the more sought after way to manage dandelions is the chemical approach. Late September to November (when the wind is calm and the air temperature ranges between 50 – 85 degrees) is the best time to apply herbicides on dandelions and other broadleaf weeds. While the dandelion, as a plant, is preparing for it’s winter dormant stage, the plant is susceptible and allows the herbicide to move into the stem and root system thus killing the plant. Many homeowners are tempted to apply herbicide in the spring when the weeds are ever-present. This is tempting. However, spring is not the optimal time for an effective outcome.

Pro tip, you can find the proper chemicals to use to control dandelions at www.turf.purdue.edu. Be mindful as you choose. As you search products, you will find there are additional ingredients for when additional control is needed. There are many products from many companies from which to make your selection. The Purdue Extension Master Gardener program strongly encourages reading, understanding, and following label instructions at all times. Consult with an experienced representative from the store with any further questions you may have about the product you choose.

From reading most of my articles, you probably have guessed, yes, I have dandelions, many dandelions. Currently, my husband is at the ready for when the rain ceases and the soil is moist to execute his duty while donned in protective clothing, eyewear, and gloves, as herbicide man.

Send us your questions and comments to the Shelby Purdue Extension Office – 317 392 6460 ext. 0 and https://extension.Purdue.edu/Shelby

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