What Are the Stages of a Dandelion?

Dandelion flowers bloom across lawns, yielding seeds that propagate the plant.

Dandelions are a perennial plant; they become dormant over winter and grow again every spring, plaguing many gardeners and lawn owners. The plant is known for its deep root that allows the plant to thrive under a variety of conditions. Dandelions are also recognized by the bright yellow flowers up to 2 inches in diameter. The flowers grow on tall hollow stems. They mature to a seed head of multiple seeds.

Germination and Regrowth

Each spring, dandelions begin growing. Some of the dandelions are new plants growing from seeds that stayed in the soil dormant over winter. Other plants grow from the existing roots of plants that grew during the previous year. Even if the homeowner eliminated all growing dandelions the previous year, new plants can start from seed that blew in from neighboring yards.

Growth

During early spring, the dandelion grows a low set of lobed leaves. The leaves grow at ground level immediately above the tap root. Initial growth occurs in early spring and continues throughout the year. New plants from seeds also grow through spring and summer. Leaves vary in size, growing as large as 10 inches in extreme situations. Dandelion leaves contain a white juice while actively growing.

Flowering

Flowers commonly grow on a single hollow stalk from the center of the plant. The flower is noted for its distinctive yellow color. Flowers continue to bloom from the earliest part of spring until frost in late fall. Each plant produces several cycles of flowers through summer, depending on the weather and soil conditions.

Seed Spreading

As the dandelion flower matures, it forms a seed head of slender, tan seeds. These seeds spread by wind or human action and can cover a large distance before landing. The seed action occurs during the entire growing season but is most abundant in fall. The seeds can sprout at the time of dispersion or lie dormant through winter, starting the life cycle again in spring.

References

• University of Rhode Island: Dandilions
• University of Kentucky: Dandelion