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 17, (USA - Zone 7a climate)
What ph should the soil be for dill's optimal growth. I barely have enough sun so I must try to make watering, fertilizing, pest control, ph etc. the best I can.

The simplest way would be to use a degradable pot and plant the whole thing. There are ready made peat ones available at nurseries, or if you prefer not to use peat you can make biodegradable pots out of newspaper (a quick google will reveal instructions). You plant the whole pot, which if the soil is kept moist will soon break down. Soil blocks are another solution (I use these, and they're great!) but require a soil-blocker to make them.

- Anonymous

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.