Dill

Planting dill

Sow directly around the last frost date and repeat every few weeks for a steady supply. Dill grows a taproot and is best sown in place.

Planting details

• Choose a spot sheltered from wind; plants grow 2 to 4 feet tall
• Spacing: 10 to 12 inches
• Seed depth: about 1/4 inch

Growing requirements

Dill wants full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Keep moisture even early on; established plants handle short dry spells.

Harvesting and care

Snip fronds as needed before the plant flowers. Harvest umbels for pickling when seeds begin to set but are still green and aromatic.

Common mistakes

• Transplanting instead of direct sowing, since the taproot resents disturbance
• Sowing once, then having no fresh fronds when pickling season arrives
• Letting seed heads shatter uncollected, which scatters volunteers through the bed

Companion plants

Dill suits edges of cucumber and lettuce beds and draws beneficial insects when it flowers. Keep it away from carrots, its close relative, to avoid confusion in crop rotation.