Dill
Anethum graveolens
Dill is an upright annual herb best direct-sown where it will mature because transplanting disturbs the taproot. Feathery foliage and umbel flowers flavor pickles and fish, and sowings every 21 days spread the harvest window across 40–70 days from sowing. Full sun with six hours of direct light supports tall stems.
Plant family Apiaceae · Also called dill weed
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Direct-sow where plants will stay.
Sow about 0.6 cm deep outdoors from two weeks before the last frost through two weeks after. Germination is 7–14 days.
Direct sowing is emphasized because the long taproot dislikes transplanting. Optional support may help tall plants in wind.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Protect the taproot from disturbance.
Thin to 15–30 cm between plants with rows about 45 cm. Upright stems can reach shoulder height on fertile soil.
Containers need 25 cm depth and about 7 litres to accommodate taproots. Shallow trays stunt height and flowering.
Core measurements
Crop-level planning range.
Crop-level planning range.
Crop-level planning range.
Crop-level planning range.
Allow for the mature form of the selected variety.
Install support early when it is required or useful.
Provide full sun and loose soil.
Six hours of direct sun suits full-sun label. Dill tolerates light frost early in the season.
Moderate water at 25–35 mm weekly with pH 5.5–7.5. Allow slight drying between waterings compared with high-need vegetables.
Sunlight
Full sun (6+ direct-sun hours/day)
Soil pH
A suitable acidity range for general growth.
Weekly water
Moderate water need.
Aim for even moisture and water deeply when the upper 2-3 cm of soil begins to dry.
Pick foliage or seed heads as needed.
Foliage and seed heads mature over 40–70 days from sowing. Snip leaves before flowering for peak aroma; allow umbels to dry for seed.
Succession every 21 days supplies fresh leaf on younger plants as older ones flower.
Read with the full crop profile.
Read with the full crop profile.
Read with the full crop profile.
Read with the full crop profile.
Direct-sow where it will grow because the long taproot dislikes transplanting.
Dill growing questions
Why is dill direct-sown?
The taproot dislikes transplanting; the key tip recommends sowing in place.
Can dill be used for seed and leaves?
Yes. Harvest window spans foliage and later seed heads within 40–70 days from sowing.
Does dill need staking?
Support is optional for tall plants in windy sites.
What outdoor sowing window is listed?
From two weeks before the last frost through two weeks after.
Profile values are crop-level planning ranges compiled from sources S2,S3,S4. Local climate and variety can change actual results.
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