Dill Garden Guide

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Dill Care At A Glance

  • Annual herbs in cold zones. Self-sowing biennial in zones 8 and warmer.
  • Easy to grow in organically rich, well-draining soils.
  • Full to part sun.
  • Grow in-ground or in deep containers.
  • Water consistently, and keep mulched to maximize foliage growth.

Seed Starting

  • Start seeds indoors in plantable peat pots or Jiffy® Extra-Depth wafers about 4 weeks prior to planting out. Harden off for 1 week prior to planting out.
  • NOTE: Planting too early can lead to bolting.

  • Often best when sown directly into the garden after the threat of frost has passed.
  • Sow seeds into pre-moistened, organically amended, warm soil.
  • Optimal soil temperature, indoors or out, is 65°-70°F for germination in 10-15 days.
  • Thin, papery seeds require light for germination, use light soil cover.
  • Sow seeds in rows 12 in. apart.
  • Once sprouted, thin plants to about 6 in. apart.
  • Sowing successive crops every 3 weeks is beneficial for consistent harvests.

Growing

  • Dill weed is a reliable grower in full sun to part shade.
  • Taller growing, 2-3 ft. tall varieties can benefit from some support.
  • Deep, organically rich, but well-drained soils are best.
  • Maintain 2-3 inches of mulch around plants to conserve soil moisture. This is beneficial since dill forms long tap roots.
  • Keep plants consistently watered, especially during periods of heat or drought.
  • Harvest and dry leaves as needed.
  • Dill flowers are highly attractive to many beneficial pollinators and dill foliage are a favorite food for the larvae of Black Swallowtail butterflies, which are attractive caterpillars that have longitudinal green, white, and black stripes with yellow spots.