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Celebrate the growing season by planting dill in flats if it’s too early for you to plant outside – or sow it directly in the garden if you’re already cultivating your garden.
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Dill is the herb, along with its close relative fennel, that grows shoulder to shoulder every summer in our gardens. It certainly gives a different perspective to have heads of bright yellow flowers sometimes the size of dinner plates, literally in your face. Although this is one of the most significant stages in the life cycle of Anethum graveolens, it’s hard for me to tell you which stage is my favorite.
All About Dill
The dill flower shade looks similar to that produced by fennel. Source: jolynne_martinez
The botanical name of dill is Anethum graveolens. However, it is known by many different names around the world; most cultures have their own unique name for dill.
Where to Grow Dill
Like most herbs, Dill can be grown pretty much anywhere and can withstand heat and cool weather. Dill will tolerate partial shade; in light shade, the plants will not grow as vigorous as in full sun. They can be planted closer together in partial shade. It can also be grown in the greenhouse if you provide a container large enough for its roots, at least 6-8 inches in diameter, and pot it in rich soil.
Poor sandy soil is an advantage when growing dill – the herb will have a stronger flavor – but the soil must be well drained.
Bouquet
‘Bouquet’ type flowers early producing an abundance of seeds. This is a great choice if you want lots of fresh cut flowers or seeds for your kitchen. This cultivar can reach up to 24-36 inches tall at maturity with a 4- to 8-inch spread. It is ready to harvest in 40-60 days.
The ‘elephant’ variety is late blooming, meaning you’ll have delicious fresh dill weed throughout the growing season. This cultivar grows up to 30-48 inches tall and has a 16- to 24-inch spread. It matures in 60-90 days.
Seed starting dill outdoors
- Sow dill seed directly in the garden after danger of frost has passed.
- Sow seed in 5 inch rows or bands.
- Dill will reseed itself easily so plant where you can let it grow for several years.
- Plant a row of dill every 3 to 4 weeks for a continuous fresh harvest.
- Start dill in mid to late summer indoors.
- Transplant young plants into the garden so that they mature in the cool autumn weather.
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