Anethum graveolens (Dill)
Dill, Anet, Dill-Oil Plant, East Indian Dill, Meeting-Seed, Sabbath Day Posy
A popular culinary herb noted for its attractive foliage and flowers, Anethum graveolens (Dill) is an upright annual with feathery, aromatic, blue-green foliage and attractive flat umbels, 10 in. across (25 cm), of tiny yellow flowers in summer. The showy scented blossoms are followed by small elliptical flat seeds. With a taste reminiscent of anise and parsley, the leaves may be dried or frozen for later use. However, they have the best flavor when harvested fresh from the garden. Dill complements soft cheeses, white sauces, egg dishes, seafood and chicken, salads, soups, and vegetable dishes. Harvest the seeds after the heads have dried on the plant.
- Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). This plant self-seeds readily without being invasive. You may need to stake some tall varieties.
- Thrives in rich, light, well-drained soils in full sun. Shelter from strong winds. Plants appreciate consistent soil moisture. Water freely in dry conditions to inhibit bolting.
- No serious insect or disease issues. Deer-resistant, Dill attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects and pollinators into the garden.
- No pruning required. Can be left to self-seed after flowering.
- Propagate by seed sown in succession from spring to mid-summer. Sow seed directly in the ground just before the last spring frost date. Additional seeds may be planted every two weeks until early summer in order to extend the time when fresh leaves may be harvested.
- Native to Northern Africa, Arabian Peninsula.
Requirements
Hardiness | 2
– 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Herbs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 30" – 36" (75cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
By Marush, Dmitry Kalinovsky, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 2
– 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Herbs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 30" – 36" (75cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |