Growing Hints for Dill

Dill is a hardy annual or biennial herb that is versatile and easy to grow. The leaves are popular in many dishes, especially soups and salad dressings, and the seeds are frequently used when making pickles. For the health conscious, fresh dill can be added directly to salads as a fat free and flavorful alternative to dressings. Dill does not transplant well, so it should be planted directly where it is to grow in the vegetable or herb garden. If seeds are desired from the plant, it is important to start it in early spring. The delicate plant is sometimes damaged by strong winds, so a somewhat sheltered location is best. Dill does not compete well with weeds, so it is important keep it weeded (gently) or place a mulch around it when it is a few inches high. Some varieties of dill are larger than others, so it is worth checking the seed packet to see if specific spacing instructions are included.

You may begin harvesting a few leaves when the plant is about six inches tall. The small yellow flowers that appear on dill plants will attract some beneficial insects to the garden, such as tiny parasitic wasps that destroy some garden pests (but do not harm people). The tiny seeds are easily lost, so it is best to cut off the seed heads when the seeds have just started to ripen, and place them loosely in a paper bag until they dry completely. Store the seeds in a tightly sealed container to protect them from moisture.

For more crops, more complete gardening information, a garden journal and a planting schedule you can customize for your region, purchase The Seed Program!