Growing and Marketing Dandelion Greens at Local Green Markets in Southeast Florida, 2003-2011

摘要

The growers for Stephen’s Produce grew and marketed dandelion greens from 2003 to 2011 to help supply local green markets with a weekend supply of “garden fresh” produce. Planting schedules, growing and harvesting methods, yields, and sales figureswill be discussed. Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale F. H. Wigg, was grown from 2003 to 2009. Beginning in 2009-2010, an Italian dandelion, Cichorium intybus L., cultivar Clio was grown. For the 2010-2011 season, four plantings were made on 26 Aug., 12 Oct., 23 Nov., and 5 Jan. Dandelion seeds were direct seeded and seedlings thinned to one or two plants per hill. Dandelion greens were cut, bunched, and sold on 27 weekends from 23 Oct. to 8 May. An average of eight bunches were sold each week at $2.25 per bunch or $18 per week and $475 for the season.