Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a popular annual herb, valued for its fine, feathery foliage (dill weed) and aromatic seeds. It is a rewarding plant for home gardeners, known for its relative ease of cultivation directly from seed. Successful growth requires understanding its specific environmental preferences and following a precise sequence of planting and care. This guide offers a step-by-step approach to planting dill seeds and ensuring a successful harvest.
Selecting the Location and Preparing the Soil
Dill thrives in a location that receives a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Ample sun exposure maximizes the concentration of volatile oils in the leaves, contributing to a stronger flavor. The final planting spot must be selected carefully because dill develops a long, sensitive taproot and tolerates transplanting very poorly.
The soil should be loose and well-draining to prevent water retention around the taproot, which can lead to rot. Dill prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, ideally between 5.5 and 7.5. Before planting, the soil should be loosened to a depth of at least twelve inches to accommodate the deep root system.
Dill prefers a leaner environment and does not require substantial amendment. Overly rich soil, especially one high in nitrogen, encourages rapid, leggy growth with a reduced concentration of flavor. If the native soil is poor, incorporating a small amount of finished compost is sufficient to improve both drainage and texture.
Direct Sowing Steps
Planting begins after the final spring frost has passed and the soil temperature has warmed to 60° to 70°F. For an extended supply of fresh dill weed, employ succession planting by sowing a new batch of seeds every two to three weeks until mid-summer. Dill seeds require light to germinate effectively, necessitating a very shallow planting depth.
Sow the seeds only about one-quarter inch deep into the prepared soil, or press them onto the surface and lightly cover them. Gently pat down the area to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Proper spacing aims for a final distance of nine to twelve inches between plants, though denser sowing is permissible if planning to thin later.
The newly sown area requires immediate watering using a fine mist or a gentle shower setting. Avoid a heavy stream of water, which can easily wash away the shallowly planted seeds. Consistent moisture must be maintained throughout the germination period, which typically takes seven to fourteen days, ensuring the top layer of soil never fully dries out.
Ongoing Care for Dill
Once the seedlings reach two to four inches tall, thinning is necessary to ensure the remaining plants have adequate resources. Remove the weaker seedlings to achieve a final spacing of approximately one foot apart, allowing for good air circulation and preventing competition. Insufficient thinning can result in smaller, spindly plants that bolt prematurely.
After the plants become established, watering needs change from constant moisture to less frequent but deeper applications. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings, as mature dill plants are susceptible to rot in soggy conditions. During periods of extreme heat, additional water may be needed to prevent the herb from drying out and bolting.
Taller varieties of dill, such as ‘Mammoth’ or ‘Bouquet,’ may require physical support, particularly if exposed to strong winds. A simple stake or small cage helps prevent the hollow stalks from bending or snapping as the plants mature and develop heavy flower heads. Monitor for common pests like aphids, which can be managed by a strong spray of water or by encouraging beneficial insects.
Harvesting Dill
Dill leaves (dill weed) can be harvested once the plant has developed several sets of true leaves, typically six to eight weeks after sowing. The best flavor is achieved just before the plant begins to form its flower stalk, as the oil content is at its peak during this stage. The “cut and come again” method is effective for continuous leaf production: snip off the outer leaves and stems, taking no more than one-third of the foliage at any one time.
To harvest dill seeds, the plant must be allowed to mature fully and produce its characteristic yellow, umbrella-like flower clusters (umbels). After flowering, the seeds will form and begin to ripen, indicated by the seed heads turning a light tan or brown color. This is the optimal time to collect them, just before they are fully dry and ready to drop naturally.
The seed heads should be clipped from the plant and placed immediately into a paper bag to catch loose seeds. The harvested umbels can then be hung upside down in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location to complete the drying process. Once completely dried, the seeds can be easily separated from the stalks and stored in an airtight container for use in pickling or seasoning.