Dill

Plant Overview

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is listed in the Apiaceae family and categorized as a herb with an annual life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Easy.

Plant ID

PLT-0053

Family

Apiaceae

Plant type

Herb

Life cycle

Annual

Growth habit

Upright annual herb with finely divided, feathery foliage and yellow flowers; readily self-seeds if mature seed heads remain

Mature height

Commonly about 2-3 feet; height varies by cultivar, and tall plants may need support

Mature spread

Varies by species; commonly 1-3 ft

Difficulty

Easy

Growing Conditions

Dill is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as keep soil consistently moist without saturation; water at soil level and adjust watering to rainfall, heat, and soil drainage. The database soil reference is Well-drained soil with moderate fertility. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.5, and the listed hardiness range is 2-11 as an annual crop.

Hardiness zones

2-11 as an annual crop

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil

Well-drained soil with moderate fertility

Soil pH

6.0-7.5

Water needs

Keep soil consistently moist without saturation; water at soil level and adjust watering to rainfall, heat, and soil drainage

Plant spacing

Commonly 8-24 in depending on mature size

Seed & Germination

For seed starting, the listed germination time is Typically 7-21 days from seed, though some herbs are commonly propagated vegetatively and the seed depth is Sow about 1/4 inch deep and lightly cover with soil. Maturity guidance: Leaf harvest can begin around six weeks after sowing once plants are well established; seed harvest comes later, after flowering and seed maturation. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.

Germination

Typically 7-21 days from seed, though some herbs are commonly propagated vegetatively

Germination temperature

Generally 60-75°F for seed germination

Seed depth

Sow about 1/4 inch deep and lightly cover with soil

Sowing method

Direct sow in the garden or final container to avoid disturbing the roots

Start indoors

Usually unnecessary; direct sowing is preferred because dill does not transplant well

Transplanting

Avoid transplanting established seedlings; sow in the final growing location whenever possible

Harvest & Propagation

Days to maturity

Leaf harvest can begin around six weeks after sowing once plants are well established; seed harvest comes later, after flowering and seed maturation

Harvest

Snip leafy stems from established plants with clean scissors. Use leaves fresh, frozen, or dried; collect seed heads separately when they mature

Propagation

Propagated by seed, preferably sown directly where plants will grow

Seed saving

Allow healthy seed to mature fully before collecting; use species-specific isolation practices where cross-pollination matters.

Pollination

Usually insect-pollinated when flowering; some species self-pollinate

Garden Information

Common pests

Aphids, mites, whiteflies, caterpillars, and other species-specific pests

Common diseases

Root rots, leaf spots, mildews, and other species-specific diseases

Uses

Leaves and seeds used to flavor pickles, sauerkraut, beet dishes, and other savory foods; foliage can be used fresh or dried