The herb Anethum graveolens, commonly known as dill, is a highly favored annual plant in gardens, but new growers often find its initial sprout confusing. The delicate seedling stage presents a visual challenge because the first leaves look drastically different from the mature, feathery foliage. Understanding the specific visual markers of this herb’s earliest development is helpful for successful gardening. This guide provides a detailed look at the stages of dill sprouting, ensuring you can confidently identify this aromatic plant in your seedbed.
The Initial Sprout: Cotyledons
The first structures to emerge above the soil are the cotyledons, or “seed leaves,” which bear little resemblance to the mature plant. They appear in pairs and are generally small, simple, and elongated, often described as narrow or oval-shaped structures. These seed leaves serve as the plant’s initial energy source, drawing on reserves stored within the seed.
These temporary leaves are typically a bright, uniform green and lack the complex divisions of the adult foliage. The cotyledons are responsible for the first round of photosynthesis, fueling the seedling until the plant establishes its permanent leaf structures. Once the true leaves begin to grow, the cotyledons will eventually wither and drop off.
Developing the True Feathery Foliage
After the initial seed leaves have established themselves, the plant begins to produce its first true leaves, signaling the stage where dill becomes visually recognizable. These true leaves emerge from the center of the cotyledons and immediately display the plant’s characteristic fine texture. They are deeply divided and slender, giving them a delicate, feathery, or fern-like appearance.
The foliage is typically a soft, blue-green color, distinct from the simpler green of the cotyledons. As these true leaves expand, they develop the plant’s signature scent, which is a pleasant, grassy, and slightly anise-like aroma. This transition marks the beginning of the vegetative growth period, confirming the identity of the dill seedling.
Germination Timeline and Conditions
Dill seeds typically germinate within a window of 7 to 21 days, though sprouts often appear around 10 to 14 days when conditions are favorable. Successful sprouting depends heavily on maintaining specific environmental factors, primarily soil temperature. The ideal range for consistent results falls between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C).
The seeds should be sown very shallowly, generally about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep, as they require light exposure to trigger germination. Consistent moisture is necessary during this period, but the soil must remain well-drained to prevent the seeds from rotting. Providing these conditions helps the tiny root emerge successfully, followed by the upward push of the cotyledons.
Distinguishing Dill from Weeds
The simple appearance of dill cotyledons can cause them to be mistaken for the seedlings of common weeds, making identification a challenge in crowded garden beds. The most reliable method for distinguishing dill is to wait for the first true leaves to appear. These feathery, finely cut leaves are unique and unlike the broader, simpler leaves of most garden weeds.
The most definitive way to confirm the identity of a seedling with true leaves is the “sniff test.” Gently crush a tiny piece of the emerging foliage between your fingers; if it releases the characteristic, pleasant dill aroma, the plant is confirmed. Dill seedlings also tend to have smooth, hollow stems, which helps differentiate them from similar-looking weeds like dog fennel.