Introduction
- Dill is an aromatic annual herb grown for its feathery leaves, flavorful seeds, and yellow umbrella-shaped flowers. A favorite in pickling and cooking, it’s also an excellent companion plant—attracting pollinators and beneficial insects like lacewings and lady beetles. In our climate, dill thrives in the cool seasons but can bolt quickly once the weather heats up. With proper timing and successive sowing, you can enjoy fresh dill leaves for months!
Quick Facts
- Type: Tender annual herb
- Height: 2–4 feet tall, depending on variety and conditions
- Harvest Season: Fall, winter, and spring; bolts quickly in summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun; partial afternoon shade in late spring
- Soil Type: Loose, well-draining soil enriched with compost
- Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but not soggy soil
Planting Guide
When to Plant
- Direct seed only—dill does not transplant well due to its long taproot.
- Fall crop: September–November
- Spring crop: February–March
- Avoid sowing in midsummer—heat shortens the growing season and causes rapid bolting.
Where to Plant
- Choose a sunny location sheltered from strong winds (tall stalks can topple).
- Works well in raised beds and deep containers (at least 12″).
- Plant near cucumbers, lettuce, or brassicas for natural pest deterrence.
How to Plant
- Seeds: Sow ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart; thin to 8–12 inches between plants.
- Soil prep: Work compost into the top 6 inches before planting.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during germination (7–14 days).
Care & Maintenance
- Watering: Regular, even watering is best—avoid letting soil dry completely.
- Fertilizing: Dill generally doesn’t need much fertilizer if soil is enriched with compost.
- Bolting: Heat and long days trigger flowering; succession planting every 3 weeks ensures a longer harvest.
- Pests & diseases: In Santa Clara County, aphids and caterpillars (especially swallowtail butterfly larvae) are common. Aphids can be washed off; caterpillars can be hand-picked—or left, since they’re pollinator allies.
Harvesting
- Begin harvesting fresh leaves when plants are 8 inches tall. Snip outer fronds first, leaving the central growth.
- For seeds, allow flowers to mature and form seed heads. Harvest when seeds turn brown and dry.
- Cut early in the day for the best flavor and aroma.
Lifecycle & Reseeding
- Dill is a short-lived annual but readily self-seeds if seed heads are left to mature.
- Volunteers often appear the following season after the first rains.
Wildlife & Companion Benefits
- Flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps—excellent allies for pest control.
- Host plant for swallowtail butterflies.
- Companion for cucumbers, lettuce, onions, and brassicas. Avoid planting near carrots and fennel, which compete strongly.
Extra Tips
- Plant successive crops from fall through spring for a steady supply of fresh leaves.
- Use row covers in early spring to protect young plants from aphids and flea beetles.
- Harvest regularly—pinching back flower stalks early can extend leaf production.
- Allow a few plants to flower and set seed—both for beneficial insects and free reseeding.
Where to Get Seeds
