GROW GUIDE

Bouquet Dill

Anethum graveolens

Plant Description

Bouquet Dill

This airy herb boasts thread-like leaves that drape from thin stems, creating a soft, elegant appearance.

A member of the carrot family, it is celebrated for its vibrant, aromatic flavor, which pairs exceptionally well with fish, salads, and soups.

Gardening Level: easy

Quick Facts:

  • Sun Requirements

    Full Sun

  • Days To Sprout

    10-20 Days

  • Days To Harvest

    50-60 Days

  • Plant Spacing

    10-12"

  • Seeds Per Hole

    2

  • Planting Depth

    1/4"

Best Planting Locations

  • Herb Gardens

    Full sun exposure ensures vigorous growth and optimal flavor.

  • Raised Beds

    Excellent for controlling soil quality and improving drainage, which is crucial for dill's health.

  • Alongside Vegetables

    Dill can help repel certain pests while attracting beneficial insects like wasps and honeybees.

  • Containers

    Suitable for balconies or small spaces. Ensure containers are deep enough to accommodate dill's long taproot.

Getting Started

  • 1

    Find the Spot

    Dill thrives in light and airy conditions. Select a planting location that enjoys at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If growing indoors, a spot near a south-facing window is ideal.

  • 2

    Prep the Soil & Fertilizer

    Use well-draining, fertile soil. Dill isn't too demanding but benefits from a light application of compost before planting or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support its rapid growth.

  • 3

    Plant the Seeds

    Plant 2 seeds or 1 seedling 1/4 inch deep in pots or the ground. Don't completely bury the seeds as they need light to germinate.

    During germination, keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and place in a bright location.

    Keep the soil temperature between 60° to 70° F. Space seedlings or plants about 10-12 inches apart to provide ample room for their tall growth.

Good Neighbors:

  • Cilantro:

    Both attract beneficial insects, enhancing pollination and pest control

  • Corn:

    Dill provides pest control, improving corn stalk health

  • Cucumber:

    Dill attracts predators of cucumber pests, boosting crop health

  • Nasturtium:

    Repels pests, attracts beneficial insects

Enemy Plants:

  • Carrots:

    Can cross-pollinate, resulting in bitter-tasting carrots and stunted growth for dill

  • Eggplant:

    Dill's roots release a substance that is harmful to plants in the nightshade family

  • Peppers:

    Compete for the same nutrients, stunting growth

Attractants:

  • Honey Bees, Hoverflies & Wasps,

    Attracted to its pollen

Repellents:

  • Cabbage Moths

    Repelled by dill's scent

  • Spider Mites

    Repelled by dill's scent

Best Time to Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones

Day to Day Maintenance

  • Watering

    Water evenly to maintain a consistently moist soil environment. Dill does not tolerate dry soil well, but also be wary of overwatering, as it does not like soggy conditions.

  • Pruning

    Dill generally requires little pruning. However, to encourage a bushier plant, you can pinch off the top leaves as the plant grows. This will also help delay flowering, extending the leaf production period. Always prune or pinch just above a leaf node or a branching point.

The Harvest

  • Gathering

    Snip dill fronds as needed. Frequent harvesting encourages the plant to produce more foliage instead of going to seed.

  • Extra Tip

    For the most intense flavor, harvest dill in the morning when the essential oils are most concentrated.

Favorite Uses

  • Pickles

  • Fish

  • Salad

  • Soup

  • Potatoes

How to Store

  • Room Temperature

    • Duration: Up to one week
    • Location: Keep on countertop away from direct sunlight
    • Method: Place dill stems in a glass of water like a bouquet of flowers. Ensure the leaves do not touch the water to avoid rotting. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.

  • Refrigeration

    • Duration: Up to two weeks
    • Location: Store in the refrigerator
    • Method: Wrap the dill fronds in a damp paper towel and then place them in a plastic bag or airtight container. This method helps maintain moisture and freshness without making the dill soggy.

  • Freezing

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Store in the freezer
    • Method: Chop the dill and pack it loosely into ice cube trays, covering with water or olive oil before freezing. Once solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container for extended storage.

  • Preserving in Vinegar

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Store in a cool, dark place
    • Method: Pack dill fronds into a jar and cover with vinegar. This preserves the dill and infuses the vinegar with its flavor, ideal for dressings and marinades.

Fun Facts

  • Ancient Currency

    In ancient times, dill was so valuable that it was used as a currency. The Romans believed that dill brought good fortune and would often use it in their rituals and as a symbol of wealth.

  • Dual Purpose

    Dill is both an herb and a spice. The feathery leaves, known as dill weed, are used as an herb, while the flat, oval seeds are used as a spice. Each offers distinct flavors suitable for different culinary applications.

  • Monarch Butterfly Attraction

    Dill is a host plant for the larvae of swallowtail butterflies, making it a beneficial addition to any garden interested in supporting butterfly populations.