Dill is a fragrant herb with a bold, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with fish, white meats, cream cheese, eggs, and vegetables. Its feathery blue-green leaves carry a taste similar to fennel, and both its flowers and seeds are edible.
You can grow dill from seeds or potted plants year-round in frost-free climates, or plant it in spring or summer once the danger of frost has passed. Choose a sunny area in your garden or plant it in pots. Since dill grows tall about 40–90 cm, it’s best to position it at the back of a garden bed or among other plants that can shield it from the wind and help support its stems.
Being an annual herb, dill completes its life cycle after flowering or when struck by frost. However, you can collect its seeds and plant them again for a fresh crop.
How to Plant Dill
While you can buy potted nursery plants, dill generally grows best when sown directly in the garden. This is because it develops a long taproot that doesn’t respond well to being disturbed.
When to Plant
Sow dill in spring or fall when soil temperature falls between 60°F and 70°F for optimal germination. Seedlings usually sprout within 10 to 14 days. For a steady harvest, plant additional seeds every two weeks.
Selecting a Planting Site
Choose a sunny area with fertile, well-draining soil. Dill also grows well in large containers with good drainage holes. Avoid planting it in cold, waterlogged conditions.
Dill grows well alongside basil, corn, and asparagus. However, keep it away from carrots, peppers, potatoes, and lavender, as they are poor companions.
Spacing, Depth, and Support
Plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep and cover them lightly with soil. Space seeds 1 to 2 inches apart, leaving about 12 inches between rows if planting in rows.
Depending on the variety, dill can reach heights of up to 5 feet. If the stems become floppy under the weight of heavy seed heads, support them with a bamboo cane. You can also trim off the flower heads to encourage more leaf growth and branching.
How to Care For Dill
Light
Grow dill in a spot that receives full sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day. In very hot climates, providing some afternoon shade during peak summer can help prevent stress on the plant.
Soil
Dill prefers rich, loose, well-draining soil and grows best in slightly acidic conditions, though it’s not overly fussy about pH. Its long taproot means compacted soil can hinder growth. Since dill can self-seed, plant it either in an area where it can spread freely or harvest it before it sets seed.
Water
Keep the soil always damp, but avoid waterlogging. Don’t let the soil dry out completely, as this may cause the plant to bolt early and produce seeds prematurely.
Temperature and Humidity
Dill is cold-hardy and can survive temperatures as low as 25°F. However, it thrives best when soil temperatures are around 70°F, typically in late spring or summer in most regions. It has no specific humidity needs.
Fertilizer
Dill is a light feeder. If your soil is rich in organic matter, it won’t need extra fertilizer. In fact, slightly lean soil often results in more fragrant, flavorful plants.
How to Grow Dill From Seed
Dill grows easily from seed and is far more vigorous this way than from cuttings. While you can root cuttings in water, the method is unreliable and slower.
Direct sow dill seeds outdoors once the risk of frost has gone, or start them indoors four to six weeks before transplanting. Avoid keeping seedlings in small pots for too long, as their long taproot does not adapt well to confinement. Plant seedlings about 1 inch deep, spacing them 12 to 15 inches apart. Regularly pinch the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and enjoy using the fresh leaves in your cooking. This is one of the simplest ways if you’re learning how to grow dill successfully.
How to Grow Dill in Pots
Dill can thrive in a large container or felt grow bag at least 1 foot wide and deep, with plenty of drainage holes. Use compost-enriched soil for healthy growth. Thin seedlings to leave about 4 inches between plants. Once your dill is established, avoid transplanting it into another pot, as disturbing the taproot can shock the plant and stunt its growth. If you’re short on garden space, this method is perfect for how to grow dill at home.
Pests and Diseases
Dill is typically resistant to most pests and diseases. However, young seedlings can sometimes attract slugs and snails. To control them, set up beer traps by placing shallow saucers filled with beer near the plants, or sprinkle slug and snail pellets around the base.
