Dandelion Weed Control in Your Lawn & Garden

Leaves are flat, smooth and soft in texture; mid-green in colour; and edges are serrated with a red stripe along the centre vein (midrib). Leaves grow in a rosette shape, and sit upright, but are flat to the ground in a lawn situation. Flowers are singular on the stem, yellow, dense and daisy-like. Seeds heads are fluffy, white and round. Individual seeds are shaped like a flat umbrella, which are easily picked up by the wind.

Dandelions mostly spread by seeds being picked up and dispersed by wind, often blowing into gardens from neighbouring areas.

Dandelions flower and set seed in spring and early summer.

For the control of Dandelion and various other broadleaf weeds in common lawns like Couch and Kikuyu, spray the entire lawn with Yates Weed'n'Feed. For Buffalo lawns use Yates Weed'n'Feed Buffalo Lawn. These products have the added benefit of providing nutrients to green the lawn. Please ensure you have read and understood all label instructions prior to every use.

Dandelions can be found growing in the lawn and garden throughout the year, but to a lesser extent in winter in cool climates.

The best time to spray is as soon as you notice them, and before they start to flower. Be extra vigilant in late winter and early spring to help reduce the amount of seed.

In ideal conditions, Dandelion seeds can last for up to 5 years in the soil. So even if you think you've finally got on top of controlling Dandelion weeds, if there are any remaining viable seeds in the soil they will germinate and grow.

Very mature plants with a large tap root have lots of stored reserves and this help them survive. For very mature plants, it is best to remove these by hand making sure you are digging out as much of the tap root as possible.

Dandelions are super tough, and seeds can survive in water, and in animal digestive systems. Seeds can travel by wind from up to 500 m away. So even if you have controlled all Dandelions on and near your property, if there are some growing on your street, or if a bird or possum happens to poop in your yard, chances are they'll be back.

Kill Dandelions as soon as you notice them growing, and well before they start to flower.

When you are out and about, if notice any Dandelion seeds on your clothes, shoes, pet, vehicle or tools, wash or brush them off before returning home.

Apply an organic mulch like pine bark or sugar cane. You can also use weed mat before applying mulch, however, this doesn't allow any organic matter to go into and improve the soil. Avoid the use of inorganic mulches (e.g. stones and pebbles) as this can cause soil compaction and will degrade soil.

Mow regularly and keep the lawn a little longer, especially in spring and summer, about 8 cm high.

Starve seeds and young plants of light, water and nutrients by growing a thick and healthy lawn. Regular watering and using organic based fertilisers, such as Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Lawn Food, will improve lawn and soil health, while promoting growth.