{"product_id":"italian-dandelion-seeds","title":"Italian Dandelion Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eItalian Dandelion seeds - \u003cem\u003eCichorium intybus\u003c\/em\u003e - not a true dandelion at all, but a type of chicory that is very dandelion-like. This is a highly uniform strain. At the baby leaf stage, the leaves are narrow and spoon-shaped with subtle spikes along the margins and a thin petiole. At full size, the leaves are long, deep green, slender, and deeply cut with white midribs. Slow-bolting and upright with pretty blue flowers at maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c!--split--\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Italian Dandelion (AKA Chicory) Seeds\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eItalian Dandelion is not a dandelion at all but a variety of loose-leaf chicory commonly grown in Italy and used in Italian salads. Leafy greens are tender and slightly bitter. It is a cool-weather crop like most plants grown for leaf production. Don’t confuse this chicory variety with the invasive species that creep up in your lawn. Although those are edible also.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to Maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annual, 65\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness Zone:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3-9\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e ¼”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Spacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich and well-drained\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemp Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cool\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun or light shade\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Green \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slightly sweet green leaves with hints of bitterness\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSowing and Growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrepare the soil with compost for best results of leaf production. Continue sowing seeds every three weeks for on-going harvests. Keep soil moist but not wet. Allow Italian dandelion to mature for two weeks before beginning the harvest process. Germination can take up to a month.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo harvest leaves, cut just above the crown when leaves are 10 to 12 inches in length—any longer will result in a bitter flavor. Try braising these greens as they make a great side dish in any meal. Harvest when the plant is still young and tender. When it goes to flower, it can become more bitter in flavor. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds Per Package:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1\/4 oz - Approximately5,000 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 oz - Approximately 20,000 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 oz - Approximately 80,000 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c!--split--\u003e","brand":"Mountain Valley Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"1\/4 oz","offer_id":35546686324891,"sku":"31691","price":5.58,"currency_code":"PEN","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 oz","offer_id":35546686423195,"sku":"31692","price":10.16,"currency_code":"PEN","in_stock":true},{"title":"4 oz","offer_id":35546686455963,"sku":"31690","price":25.67,"currency_code":"PEN","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0462\/6454\/9531\/products\/dandelion-italian-seed-wm_700.jpg?v=1597674217","url":"https:\/\/earthpak643-com.myshopify.com\/products\/italian-dandelion-seeds","provider":"earthpak643.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}