How to Grow Dill Herb Plants

About Growing Dill Plants in Your Herb Garden

When you think of Dill herbs, chances are you are thinking of pickles. As a gardener, we think of many more culinary uses for this herb. We also think of its attractiveness in the back border of our herb garden. While Dill plants are not the most popular of herbs, it is a very common to have dill growing in the summer herb garden.

Also called “Dillweed”, this herb is native to southwest Asia. It picked up roots, and traveled the world, with merchants ages ago. Like many herbs, its popularity in the kitchen has caused it to migrate all over the world. It is a member of the Parsley family and grows from 18 to 42 inches tall.

If your garden space is limited, try the smaller varieties. Put them in the back of the herb garden as a border. Or, try them in containers on your patio or deck.

Top Varieties: Bouquet, Mammoth

Origin: Dill is native to the Mediterranean and southern Russia.

Other Names: It is also called Dillweed, Anet, East Indian Dill, and Dill Oil Plant.

Plant height: 2 to 4 feet tall.

Hardiness Zones: 3- 11

Annual, Antethum Graveolens

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Medicinal Uses:

Dill herb tea is popular for controlling flatulence. Make the tea by adding 1-2 teaspoons of dried seeds to boiling water. Let it steep for several minutes.

Chewing a few Dill seeds will freshen your breath.

It is also been used for colic in children.

Culinary Uses:

Dill has a refreshing aroma and delicious tang, either fresh or dried. Snip fresh leaves into soups and salads. Dill herbs are very popular in cucumber dishes, dips, sour cream, fish, dips, eggs, and vinaigrettes.

The seeds are a must for homemade pickling. Dill seeds are also the main ingredient in curry powder.

May we suggest: Dill Weed Dip Recipe

Dill Plant Propagation

Dill is grown from seed. Directly sow seeds into your garden in the spring. Sow seeds early in the season, and cover lightly with soil. Space seedlings or thin plants to 9″ apart, in rows 12 inches apart.

Also, you can start plants indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in your area.

Note: We recommend a heated germination mat, to increase the speed of seed germination. Also, the germination rate is higher.

Final Plant Spacing: Space seedlings, or thin plants 10 to 12 inches apart in rows 2 to 3 feet apart.

Days to Germination: 10 – 21 days.

How to Grow Dill Herb Plants

Dill is an easy-to-grow herb. Dill plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They do well in average soils and tolerate dry soil conditions. Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week.

Add a general-purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.

The dark green leaves are called “Dill Weed”. Harvest leaves at any time. The young, tender leaves are best for flavor. Harvest flower heads after seeds have formed, and the flower head has died. Tie a group of stems together and hang upside down to dry. Make sure to have a container or bag under them to catch seed. Once they are dry, shake out the remaining seeds.

Tip: Harvest leaves in the morning when their oils are the strongest.

Ideal pH: 5.5- 6.5