About
A leafy, perennial salad vegetable which looks a bit like a dandelion, with clumps of narrow green leaves, which may develop scalloped edges, and bright yellow flowers with heart-shaped bracts appearing in April to August which are loved by bees. The flowers are followed by fluffy seedheads, like dandelion clocks. The leaves can still be harvested whilst the plant is in flower, and both young and older leaves have a mild and slightly sweet flavour. As a bonus it is also slug-resistant.
About the genus
Reichardia is a diverse genus of plants that may be annual, perennial, or woody. Species are cultivated for their flowers, foliage, or architectural habit and are adapted to various climatic conditions
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in sun to part-shade, although will produce better leaves in shade during the summer. Water thoroughly in dry spells. Drought tolerant once established. See salsify cultivation as the growing advice for this is very similar
PruningCut back stems in autumn to encourage further growth
PropagationPropagate by seed, sowing spring to early autumn under glass in peat-free compost. Seeds may take a few weeks to germinate. May also be grown in situ outside once the soil has warmed up, or in pots outside and brought in over winter. Self-seeding
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free