DANDELION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 307, 28 December 1935, Page 6 (Supplement)

DANDELION.

Tho common dandelion, one of the most troublesome of weeds, produces leaves and roots much resembling those of the chicory, and needs the same cultural treatment. On no account must plants in gardens be allowed to flower and develop seed, or they will cause considerable trouble. Being thinned out in the rows to Oin apart, every encouragement must be given the plants to produce strong leaves, as root development is then proportionately good. Although the leaves are bitter in a green state, when blanched, they make admirable salading. During the growing period the hoe must be used freely between the rows, not only to prevent weeds, but also to ensure the production of a loose mulch of surface soil. In all other respects the plants should be treated as advised for chicory, forcing the roots in winter in such conditions as will produce blanched growths. The dandelion is not exactly a "blanched stem" vegetable, as the edible portion consists mainly of blanched leaves.