Its feathery foliage tastes like a cross between celery and fennel.
Dill is native to Europe and Asia andattracts pollinatorsand butterflies, especially the Eastern black swallowtail butterfly.
It self-sows, so keep its seeding in check by deadheading flower heads.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Dill is a reasonably cold-hardy plant when kept above freezing.
When to Plant
Plant in the spring or fall.
It will germinate best at soil temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Selecting a Planting Site
Pick a sunny location with fertile, free-draining soil.
Also, consider growing it in a large container with ample drainage holes.
It dislikes cold, soggy conditions.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Several plants, including basil, corn, and asparagus, aregood companion plants for dill.
Plant seeds 1 to 2 inches apart.
If planting in rows, plant the rows 1 foot apart.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Depending on the variety, dill can grow up to 5 feet tall.
Use a bamboo cane to support the stem if your dill gets floppy from the heavy seed head.
Also, consider removing the heavy flowerhead to promote more foliage and branching.
Soil
Dill plants prefer rich, loose, and well-draining soil.
They are not particular about soil pH but thrive best in slightly acidic soil.
Water
Keep your dill plant consistently moist without making the soil soggy or soaked.
Dill has no special humidity requirements.
Fertilizer
Similar to most herbs, dill is not a heavy feeder.
If your garden soil is rich in organic matter, your dill should require no additional fertilizer.
Keeping the soil slightly lean will produce more aromatic plants.
Once the flowers develop, the plants stop producing foliage and focus on seed development.
The seeds can be harvested as they begin to turn brown.
Keep a close watch, or they’ll disperse on their own.
Seeds can be used fresh or stored in the refrigerator for two to three weeks.
The wide, flat flowers can make the plant top-heavy and cause it to bend over.
The entire plant is highly fragrant.
Here are several common varieties of dill, including dwarf varieties that are better suited to container gardening.
Dill vs. Fennel
Dill is often confused for fennel when growing in the wild.
Above ground, the two have feathery, delicate, wispy foliage.
Dill grows from a long taproot; fennel grows from an underground bulb.
The two are in the same Apiaceae family, including carrots, parsley, and celery.
The two are aromatic herbs.
Ensure the container has ample drainage holes.
It’s best to use compost-enriched soil.
Thin out seedlings to give at least 4 inches between plants.
Once established, do not transplant into another container.
Disturbing the long taproot can cause the plant to go into shock.
Pruning
Prune often and regularly to encourage more leaf production.
Cut off the flower stalks as soon as you notice them to prolong leaf production throughout the season.
As soon as flowers form, the plant goes into flower and seed production mode and stops making leaves.
To keep your dill bushy and leafy, trim regularly, especially long shoots that form.
How to Grow Dill From Seed
Dill is propagated easily from seed.
It can be grown for cuttings rooted in water, but grows faster and more vigorously from seed.
The water-cutting method is not reliable.
Overwintering
Dill does not survive winter temperatures and will not continue growing indoors without full sun.
It is probably an Eastern black swallowtail caterpillar.
Adult females lay their eggs on dill plants, giving the hatchlings a ready-made food source.
Dill, along with other members of the carrot family, is a favorite food of theirs.
Otherwise, dill is virtually problem-free.
The larvae, in turn, feed on aphids, which can cause problems for many plants.
Keep soil evenly moist, especially during heat waves.
Dill continues growing after cutting, pinching, or trimming.
Continuous trimming prolongs leaf production and staves off flowering.
Never trim away more than two-thirds of the plant.
Dill bolts or starts to create flowers once the temperatures get hot or cold or if water becomes scarce.
Keep dill well-watered so the plant keeps producing its foliage.
If it sets flowers, the foliage stops growing.
The flowers are edible and can also be used in pickling and flavoring.
If you keep the flowers growing on the plant, the flowers will produce seeds.
Easy Gardening: Dill.Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
