Dill
Anethum graveolens
Dill is an elegant annual herb with feathery foliage and flat-topped yellow flower heads that attract hoverflies and other beneficial insects. Its leaves (dill weed) have a fresh, anise-like flavour that's indispensable with salmon, in Scandinavian cuisine, and for pickling cucumbers. Both the fresh leaves and the seeds are used in cooking. Sow directly from April to July in a sunny, sheltered spot — dill has a long taproot and resents transplanting. It grows quickly, reaching 60–90cm, and can flop in windy positions, so choose a sheltered spot or provide discreet support. Like coriander, it bolts in hot weather, so successional sowing ensures a steady supply. The seeds are easy to collect when they turn brown — just shake the dried flower heads into a paper bag. Dill self-seeds freely and you'll find volunteer plants appearing for years.
When to Sow Dill
Sow dill in April, May, June, July.
Time to Harvest Dill
Expect to harvest approximately 2 months after sowing, usually from June to September.
Companion Plants for Dill
Expected Yield
Harvest leaves continuously; seeds ripen in late summer for collecting.
Common Problems with Dill
Flopping stems
Grow in a sheltered spot or provide discreet support. Choose a position out of strong wind.
Aphids
Common on flower heads. Tolerate or spray with diluted soap — dill attracts beneficial insects that eat aphids.
Bolting in heat
Like coriander, dill bolts in hot weather. Sow successionally and accept that seeds are also useful.
Dill: common questions
When should I sow dill in the UK?
Sow dill from April to July. Sow it directly where it is to grow.
How far apart should I plant dill?
Space dill about 20cm apart. It grows to around 90cm tall. Sow seeds 0.5cm deep.
How long does dill take to germinate?
Dill seeds usually germinate in 7–14 days, depending on temperature.
When is dill ready to harvest?
In the UK, dill is usually harvested from June to September. It's ready about 2 months after sowing.
Does dill come back every year?
No. Dill is an annual: it grows, flowers and dies in one year, so sow it again each year. Some annuals self-seed if a few flowers are left to set seed.
What grows well with dill?
Good companions for dill include Cabbage and Cucumber. See the companion plants section above for why each one helps.
What should I not plant near dill?
Avoid fennel: dill and fennel cross-pollinate readily, spoiling saved seed and producing poor hybrids. Avoid carrots: dill is related to carrots and can cross with them when flowering, and it is traditionally kept apart from them.
Is dill frost hardy?
Only partly. Dill is half-hardy: it copes with cold but not frost, so plant it out after the last frost (usually mid to late May) and protect it if frost is forecast.
Plan your dill in the allotment planner
Drag and drop plants onto your plot and get personalised sowing reminders.
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