Dill is a versatile herb known for its feathery green leaves and aromatic seeds, often used in pickling and culinary dishes. Varieties like 'Fernleaf' and 'Mammoth' offer unique traits, from compact growth to tall, seed-rich plants. Despite its delicate appearance, dill is easy to grow, making it a favorite among gardeners of all skill levels.
- Common Names: Dillweed, Anet, East Indian Dill
- Scientific Name: Anethum graveolens
- Plant Type: Annual herb
- Plant Height: 3-5 feet
- Growing Difficulty: Easy
- Growing Time: 10-14 days
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Temperature: 60-70°F
- Hardiness Zone: 2-11 (Find your hardiness zone here)
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Soil pH: 6.5-7.0
- Watering Frequency: Consistent watering
- Plant Spacing: 10-12 inches apart
Different Methods to Grow Dill
Direct Sowing in the Garden
Sow dill seeds directly into garden soil after the last frost. Plant seeds ¼-inch deep and thin seedlings to 10-12 inches apart. This method allows dill to grow naturally without the need for transplanting.
- Pros: Natural growth environment, better root development.
- Cons: Vulnerable to weather conditions, requires garden space.
Growing in Containers
Use deep containers to accommodate dill's long taproot. Ensure the soil is well-draining and water regularly. This method is ideal for compact varieties like 'Fernleaf' dill.
- Pros: Mobility, control over soil conditions, suitable for small spaces.
- Cons: Limited root space, requires frequent watering.
Indoor Growing
Grow dill indoors with sufficient light, ideally in a south- or west-facing window. Use a deep pot with rich, well-draining soil and water regularly to prevent the soil from drying out.
- Pros: Year-round growth, protection from outdoor pests and weather.
- Cons: Requires sufficient light, space limitations.
Ideal Soil and Location Requirements
Dill thrives in rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.0). It requires full sun for optimal growth, ideally 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a location sheltered from strong winds to protect its tall foliage.
When to Plant Dill
Plant dill in early spring, about a week or two before the last frost date, or in fall. Ensure soil temperatures are between 60-70°F for optimal germination. For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every few weeks until midsummer. Avoid planting during frost-prone periods to ensure healthy growth.
Growing Dill Outdoors
The best method to grow dill outdoors is to sow the seeds directly into the garden after the threat of frost has passed. This method is the easiest because dill has a long taproot that doesn't transplant well, making direct sowing the most straightforward approach.
- Prepare the soil. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Ensure the soil pH is between 6.5 and 7.0. Enrich the soil with organic matter if needed.
- Check soil temperature. Ensure the soil temperature is between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C) before planting.
- Sow the seeds. Plant the dill seeds about ¼-inch deep directly into the garden soil.
- Space the seeds. Space the seeds 1 to 2 inches apart. If planting in rows, space the rows 1 foot apart.
- Water the seeds. Water the area gently but thoroughly to keep the soil consistently moist without making it soggy.
- Thin the seedlings. Once the seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin them to 10-12 inches apart to allow enough space for growth.
- Maintain moisture. Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season, ensuring it doesn’t dry out completely between waterings.
- Provide full sun. Ensure the dill plants receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
- Pinch the tips. Pinch the growing tips of the dill plants to encourage a bushier growth and more foliage.
- Harvest the leaves. Begin harvesting when the plant has four to five leaves. Pinch or cut the older leaves first.
Growing Dill Indoors
Growing dill indoors is possible, as long as you provide enough light. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you grow dill successfully indoors:
- Choose a container. Use a large container or felt growing bag that is at least 1 foot wide and deep. Ensure it has ample drainage holes.
- Prepare the soil. Fill the container with compost-enriched, well-draining soil. The soil should be rich and loose.
- Sow the seeds. Plant dill seeds about ¼-inch deep in the soil. Space the seeds 1 to 2 inches apart.
- Provide light. Place the container in a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If natural light is insufficient, use a grow light.
- Water consistently. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water the plants freely during the growing season, ensuring the soil doesn’t dry out completely between waterings.
- Thin the seedlings. Once the seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin them to 10-12 inches apart to allow enough space for growth.
- Maintain temperature. Ensure the indoor temperature is around 60-70°F (15-21°C) for optimal growth.
- Pinch the tips. Regularly pinch the growing tips of the dill plants to encourage bushier growth and more foliage.
- Harvest the leaves. Begin harvesting when the plant has four to five leaves. Pinch or cut the older leaves first.
Dill attracts beneficial insects such as wasps and other predatory insects to your garden and is a host plant for the caterpillar of the black swallowtail butterfly.
Caring for Dill
- Water consistently: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Dill thrives with regular watering, especially during the growing season. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings to ensure healthy growth.
- Pinch off flowers: To extend the harvest of dill leaves, pinch off any flower buds as they appear. Allowing the plant to flower will shift its energy towards seed production, reducing the availability of fresh leaves.
- Manage pests naturally: Dill attracts beneficial insects like wasps and lacewings, which help control pests such as aphids. If you notice Eastern black swallowtail caterpillars, consider planting extra dill to share with them instead of using chemical treatments.
- Harvest regularly: Begin harvesting dill leaves once the plant has four to five leaves. Pinch or cut the older leaves first to encourage new growth. For a continuous supply, sow seeds every few weeks throughout the growing season.
- Minimal fertilizer needs: Dill is not a heavy feeder. If planted in rich, organic soil, additional fertilizer is usually unnecessary. Keeping the soil slightly lean can result in more aromatic plants.
Common Challenges With Dill
Dill is a remarkably easy plant to grow, often referred to as "dill weed" due to its simplicity in cultivation. It thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight and can even self-seed, ensuring a new crop the following year without much effort. In my experience, once you get the soil and sunlight right, dill practically takes care of itself, making it a favorite among both novice and seasoned gardeners.
However, growing dill does come with its set of challenges. The plant's tall foliage can be easily blown over by strong winds, so it needs some protection. Additionally, dill has a long taproot that doesn't transplant well, making direct sowing the best method. It is also susceptible to leaf spot and other fungal diseases, and excessive rain can lead to root rot. Despite these issues, with a bit of care and attention, dill can be a resilient and rewarding addition to any garden.
Safety of Dill for Pets
Dill is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. However, prolonged contact with dill can cause dermatitis. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, contact the ASPCA 24-hour hotline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dill grow in partial shade?
While dill prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade. However, reduced sunlight may result in less vigorous growth and fewer leaves. Ensure the plant receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal results.
How do I prevent dill from bolting?
To prevent dill from bolting, maintain consistent soil moisture and avoid high temperatures. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture. Regularly harvesting the leaves can also delay flowering and prolong the plant's productive period.
What should I do if my dill gets leggy?
If dill becomes leggy, it may be due to insufficient light. Move the plant to a sunnier location or use grow lights if indoors. Pinching back the tips can encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too tall and spindly.
Can I grow dill from cuttings?
Dill is typically grown from seeds rather than cuttings. However, you can try rooting a cutting in water, though success rates are generally lower. For best results, sow seeds directly into the soil or containers where you want the dill to grow.
