dandelions

Hi Gardeners
I have noticed that a few days after treating a dandelion with glyphosate weed killer the plant will often produce a seed head. My question is will these seed heads develop into new weeds or has the glyphosate killed these as well as the body of the plant.

 

That seed head is the dying plant's last ditch attempt to propagate itself.

If I understand the weedkiller's action correctly, the seed will be viable, depending on how mature the flower was before you sprayed it. The weedkiller attacks the growing plant, it doesn't deactivate any seed the plant may contain. I wouldn't want to chance it anyhow.

 

I agree with Flinty. The seeds will most likely propagate if allowed to and my experience is that they will!!

 

Thanks chaps, I have been turning that question over in my mind every time I deal with one so its belt and braces from now on.

 

Hi, if you mean those fluffy dandelion clocks, then yes they will germinate into dandelions - even after the plant has been sprayed with weedkiller.
I always go round and pick the dying flower heads, and any clocks off - it saves seven years weeding.

 

I try to remember to pick off my seedheads - and then I think why am I bothering. A couple of days ago we had what looked like a snow storm all day, but it was millons and millions and millions of Dandelion seeds being blown in from fields half a mile away.

The only thing that keeps my garden relatively free of weeds, is that the plants grow so closely that you never see any earth between them, from this time of the year on. So it is difficult for any type of seedling, friend or foe, to get established.

 

I know what you mean Peter, just a week or so ago I was sat in the car outside the hospital and I was in a snowstorm of dandelions seeds...it was probably the most prolific I've ever seen.

Back at home I have a church yard to one side of me thats kept tidy so minimal influx from there, twice this year I have cut my neighbours lawn to keep the dandys down as she does not care about her garden. And my own garden in now all cultivated or paving so any weeds are easier to pull whole if they manage to get a hold, another week or two and no soil will be visible so risk should decrease.

But a phrase I picked up here on GC was "Never let it see a Sunday", using this as my maxim I dont have any problems...even though I have mares tail.

To answer brians question though, if any do get through and flower to clock stage, I use a plastic bag and cover the seedhead then break it off the stem to reduce risk of seed escape.

Steve...