Growing Dill

Anethum graveolens : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                P P    

(Best months for growing Dill in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 68°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 6 inches apart
  • Harvest in 8-12 weeks. Use leaves before flowering.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Cabbage, Coriander, Fennel, tomatoes, broccoli
  • Dill leaf

Dill is best grown as an annual. It is easy to grow from seed and will produce wispy leaves growing on a single stem about 75 cm (30 in) high, which can be harvested about eight weeks after sowing. Once the plant will begins to produce flower heads, the leaf production will stop. Dill, like most herbs, grows best in the sun, but will tolerate afternoon shade. Dill grows up to 1 m (36 in) tall, so plant it in the back of your flower, vegetable or herb garden. Sow seeds close together. This will allow the plants, which blow over easily, to support each other.

If you want to use dill seeds, let the seedheads develop and dry completely, then cut them and hang them upside down by the stems in a paper bag. The seeds will dry and fall into the bag. They can then be stored in a glass jar.

Repeat sow for a regular supply of leaves.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Dill

Dill leaves can be used fresh or dried in salads, meats, vegetable dishes and soups.
Freshly cut leaves enhance the flavour of dips, herb butter, soups, salads, fish dishes, and salads.
Both the flowering heads and seeds are used in flavoured vinegars and oils.
Used whole or ground, the seeds add zest to bread, cheese, and salad dressing.

Your comments and tips

14 Nov 22, Pamela Rudolph (New Zealand - temperate climate)
What type of soil is best for growing Dill?
03 Dec 22, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Any good soil.
30 Aug 19, Ag (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try fresh chopped dill on young boiled potatoes with lots of butter and freshly cracked pepper!
16 Feb 19, Emma (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hello, How can I find/buy dill flowering heads?? I live in Dunedin....
03 Mar 19, Russell (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I’m in Oamaru and have flowering Dill
18 Feb 19, Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
You would have to find someone growing it - try nurseries etc
28 Oct 10, Karina (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Whole flowered dill is also great for pickling cucumbers both in just salt water (salty gherkins made in Eastern Europe) or the traditional vinegar gherkins - yum!

I live near the ocean in Falcon, south of Mandurah, WA. I have tried to grow dill many times without success. I blamed the soil or the salty air. Three days ago my wife brought home a healthy dill plant about 25 cms tall in a pot. The next day the main stem was looking a little wilted. I cut it off and used it in a sauce. This morning the whole plant is frizzled. Any suggestions, please?

- John Pannell

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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