Growing Dill

Anethum graveolens : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P P P            

(Best months for growing Dill in USA - Zone 7a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 15 cm apart
  • Harvest in 8-12 weeks. Use leaves before flowering.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Cabbage, Coriander, Fennel, tomatoes, broccoli
  • Dill leaf

Dill is best grown as an annual. It is easy to grow from seed and will produce wispy leaves growing on a single stem about 75 cm (30 in) high, which can be harvested about eight weeks after sowing. Once the plant will begins to produce flower heads, the leaf production will stop. Dill, like most herbs, grows best in the sun, but will tolerate afternoon shade. Dill grows up to 1 m (36 in) tall, so plant it in the back of your flower, vegetable or herb garden. Sow seeds close together. This will allow the plants, which blow over easily, to support each other.

If you want to use dill seeds, let the seedheads develop and dry completely, then cut them and hang them upside down by the stems in a paper bag. The seeds will dry and fall into the bag. They can then be stored in a glass jar.

Repeat sow for a regular supply of leaves.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Dill

Dill leaves can be used fresh or dried in salads, meats, vegetable dishes and soups.
Freshly cut leaves enhance the flavour of dips, herb butter, soups, salads, fish dishes, and salads.
Both the flowering heads and seeds are used in flavoured vinegars and oils.
Used whole or ground, the seeds add zest to bread, cheese, and salad dressing.

Your comments and tips

26 Feb 24, Michael (USA - Zone 7b climate)
which side sun Direction for mammoth dill plant in elevated raised bed garden zone 7b Texas?
04 Aug 23, Karl Schaller (Australia - tropical climate)
Can I grow dill in this place ? Even in winter it hardly gets below 20 celsius . Forget summertime !
20 Aug 23, Anonymous (Australia - tropical climate)
Plant May June.
31 Dec 22, COLIN (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can dill be successfully grown in a pot?
14 Nov 22, Pamela Rudolph (New Zealand - temperate climate)
What type of soil is best for growing Dill?
03 Dec 22, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Any good soil.
28 Aug 20, (USA - Zone 10b climate)
live in hot se Florida zone 10b. Can dillweed herb be planted outside
31 Aug 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Dill Zone 10b it says plant Feb.
30 Aug 19, Ag (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try fresh chopped dill on young boiled potatoes with lots of butter and freshly cracked pepper!
16 Feb 19, Emma (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hello, How can I find/buy dill flowering heads?? I live in Dunedin....
Showing 1 - 10 of 40 comments

It sounds a bit like too much water when you mention that the plants grow well for a while then wilt and die. Dill likes good soil and manure but does not like to be wet. Wilting and then dying is often an indicator of too much water. This may not be the reason but I would try planting it in a raised mound and see if that helps.

- Jo

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