Photo: "dill" by liz west · CC BY 2.0

Herb · Annual-culinary

Dill

Open-pollinated · Apiaceae

Two products from one plant: dill weed (early feathery foliage) and dill seed (late harvest from dried flower heads). The most succession-dependent herb — individual plants have only a 4-6 week productive foliage window before bolting. Deep taproot means direct sowing is mandatory. Plants reach 2-4 feet tall with umbrella-shaped yellow flowers that attract black swallowtail butterflies and beneficial insects. 'Bouquet' (24 inches, compact) for containers; 'Mammoth' (36-60 inches) for seed production.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

40–55 days

Sun

6+ hours

6-8 hours

Spacing

12 "

Container

Yes

2+ gallon pot

Height

2–4 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 10–14 days

Optimal Temp 65°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Watering

Weekly Water 1 "

Needs Moderate

Method Even moisture during germination (critical). Moderate once established.

Soil

pH Range 5.5–6.5

Soil Type Well-drained, low-to-moderate fertility

Resilience

Heat: Low Cold: Moderate Drought: Medium

Common Problems

bolting

Cause: Heat triggers rapid bolting. Long days + temps >80°F accelerate flowering.

Prevention: Succession planting. Skip midsummer sowing in zones 7a+. Afternoon shade helps slightly.

parsleyworm

Cause: Black swallowtail larvae. Same as parsley.

Prevention: Handpick and relocate. Plant extra as sacrifice host.

aphids

Cause: Clusters on new growth.

Prevention: Water blast. Ladybugs. Dill's own flowers attract beneficial predators.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Harvest

Storage 7 days

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Marketmore 76 cucumber Classic pairing — dill pickles!

Green cabbage Dill attracts beneficial wasps that prey on cabbage pests.

Leaf lettuce mix Similar cool-season preferences.

Avoid Planting Near

Herb fennel Same family — cross-pollinate and produce off-flavored seeds.

Nantes carrot Same family. Can cross-pollinate. Dill may inhibit carrot growth.

Sources

university Utah State Extension — Dill in the Garden university Illinois Extension — Dill university Florida IFAS — Dill Production university Purdue — Black Swallowtail

More Herbs

Dill Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Dill vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

Ready to grow Dill?

Get a personalized planting schedule based on your exact zone with frost dates, task reminders, and feeding plans.

Start Your Garden Plan