When to plant
Sow direct outdoors from early spring through summer. Dill is a cool-season herb that also grows well in fall. In summer heat, bolts quickly — succession sow every 2–3 weeks for continuous leaf harvest. It self-seeds prolifically, so expect it to return year after year.
Soil & site
Dill tolerates a wide range of soils but prefers loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. pH 5.8–6.5. It is drought-tolerant once established but grows faster in fertile, moist conditions. Avoid transplanting — dill has a taproot and bolts quickly when disturbed.
Feeding
Light feeder. Compost worked in before sowing is usually sufficient. A single liquid fertilizer application at mid-season keeps leaf production going.
Common problems
Bolting (going to seed) in heat is the main challenge — make succession sowings every 3 weeks. Aphids on tender growth. Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars (beautiful but they eat leaves — tolerate them or relocate to wild carrot). Cross-pollination with fennel and carrots if grown nearby — keep separate.
When to harvest
Harvest dill leaves (dill weed) when the plant is 20–30 cm tall, before it flowers. Leaves should be bright, feathery, and fragrant. For dill seed, harvest when the seed heads turn tan and start to dry on the plant.
How to harvest
Snip stem tips and feathery leaves from the top third of the plant with scissors. Never take more than a third at once. For seed harvest: cut entire seed heads when mostly brown, place in a paper bag, and hang upside down to dry for 2 weeks.
Storage & use
Fresh dill keeps only 2–3 days in the refrigerator — stand in water to extend to a week. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Dry dill weed loses most of its flavour. Dill seeds store in an airtight jar for up to 3 years and are excellent in pickling.
Companion planting
Dill attracts beneficial wasps and hoverflies. Avoid planting near carrot — they cross-pollinate.
Useful for growing dill
A few things that make this one easier — chosen for this plant, not a generic list.
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