How to grow Dill

Anethum graveolens

Full Sun
Low

Sow in spring to mid summer in batches to ensure a constant supply throughout the summer.
As dill has an extensive root system, it doesn’t tend to need constant watering.

Transplanting Dill

Prefers a sunny, sheltered situation. Dill needs a rich well drained soil and should be planted in situ as it does not transplant well – if you must start them indoors, use a peat pot or some alternative that will not disturb the roots when transplanting. Ensure the earth is dug enough to allow growth of the tap root – a spade length at the minimum is a good guideline.

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Dill is a hardy plant.

Harvesting Dill

To harvest, simply pick off the leaves as required and leave the rest of the plant to continue growing. On average, dill is ready for harvest around 8 weeks after sowing when around 75cm high. Dill is best when used fresh as it loses its flavor rapidly if dried; however, freeze-dried dill leaves retain their flavor relatively well for a few months⁴.

Seed Saving Dill

Dill seeds can be harvested when the lower part of a seed cluster is ripe – ie, when they start to turn brown. Harvest leaves just as the flowers open. For seeds, hang clusters in warm, dry place with a tray beneath to catch seeds. A single plant will produce hundreds of seeds.

Seed viability is three years.

How long does Dill take to grow?

These estimates for how long Dill takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Dill to germinate?: 9 days
Average 9 days | Min 2 days | Max 26 days (346)
Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Dill?: + 24 days
Average 24 days | Min 3 days | Max 44 days (32)
Days to Maturity How long until Dill is ready for harvest / bloom?: + 63 days
Average 63 days | Min 22 days | Max 152 days (29)
Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Dill?: = 96 days

Dill Etymology

Dill is a germanic word whose origin is unknown⁴.

Dill Folklore & Trivia

Considered by the Romans to be a sign of luck and by the ancient Greeks a sign of wealth, dill was also used by the ancients as protection against witchcraft and as a love potion ingredient. Should an evil witch appear on the scene, pour them a cup of dill tea, which is said to rob them of their will to harm.
Dill has been mentioned in ancient Egyptian medical works
It was believed that the dried seed heads hung in the home, over doorways, and above cradles symbolized love and provided protection.
Infuse it in wine and passion is enhanced.¹
Can be taken to reduce flatulence.²³

Other names for Dill

Dillby, Shepu, Sowa

Footnotes

¹ Dill, on the Herb Spiral

² Mobi Motherhood

³ A Modern Herbal – Dill

⁴ Wikipedia entry on Dill