Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a popular annual herb, valued for its feathery leaves, flavorful seeds, and umbrella-shaped flowers. Used in pickling, sauces, and to flavor fish and vegetables, understanding its typical size and influencing factors helps gardeners achieve a successful harvest.
Typical Dill Plant Dimensions
Dill plants generally exhibit an upright growth habit with delicate, fern-like, blue-green foliage. Most common varieties reach a height between 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 centimeters) at maturity. Some larger cultivars can grow up to 5 or 6 feet (150 to 180 centimeters) under optimal conditions.
A mature dill plant typically spreads 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) wide. Dill develops a long taproot, similar to a carrot, which helps anchor the plant. As the plant grows, it sends up a central flower stalk, signifying its transition from vegetative growth to seed production.
Factors Influencing Dill Size
Several environmental and cultural elements significantly impact dill’s ultimate size. Adequate sunlight is important for robust growth; dill thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours daily. Insufficient light results in smaller, weaker plants with sparse foliage.
Soil quality also plays a role in plant development. Dill prefers well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter, ideally with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. While dill can tolerate less ideal soil conditions, it grows best in rich soil that provides necessary nutrients. Consistent watering helps maintain steady growth, though its deep taproot makes it tolerant of dry spells.
Proper spacing allows dill to reach its full potential. Thinning seedlings to 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) apart prevents competition and promotes air circulation. Dill grows best in mild temperatures, with ideal soil temperatures for germination ranging from 60 to 70°F (15 to 21°C). Extreme heat, especially above 80°F (27°C), can cause the plant to “bolt” or flower prematurely, limiting its size and leaf production. A sheltered location is advantageous, as strong winds can damage dill’s tall, hollow stems.
Dill Varieties and Their Sizes
The genetic makeup of different dill varieties contributes considerably to their mature size. Not all dill plants grow to the same dimensions, offering options for various gardening spaces and purposes. ‘Mammoth’ dill, one of the largest varieties, frequently reaches 3 to 6 feet (90 to 180 centimeters) tall. This cultivar is particularly suitable for gardeners interested in abundant seed production due to its large flower heads.
In contrast, ‘Fernleaf’ dill is a more compact variety, typically growing only 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) tall. Its smaller stature makes it an excellent choice for container gardening or limited spaces, and it is also known for being slow to bolt. ‘Dukat’ dill is another popular option, growing between 18 to 40 inches (45 to 100 centimeters) tall, prized for its strong flavor and high essential oil content in its foliage. ‘Bouquet’ dill, grown for both leaves and seeds, usually achieves 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) in height. Selecting a specific variety allows gardeners to anticipate the approximate mature size of their dill plants.
Harvesting Dill at Optimal Size
Harvesting dill at the appropriate stage maximizes flavor and encourages continued production. For fresh dill leaves (dill weed), begin harvesting when plants are 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) tall with at least four to five healthy leaves, typically 6 to 8 weeks after planting. To promote continuous growth, snip older, outer leaves first, removing no more than one-third of the plant at a time. The most potent flavor in the leaves is usually present just before the plant begins to flower.
For flower heads, such as for pickling, they are generally ready about two weeks after the yellow umbels appear, typically around 70 days after planting. At this stage, the flower heads are fully formed but the seeds have not yet fully matured. For seeds, allow flower heads to dry on the plant until seeds turn pale brown. Pinching off early flower buds can delay bolting, extending leafy growth and increasing dill weed yield.