Everything You Need to Know About Growing Dill

A quick internet search for "popular garden herbs" reveals an overwhelming number of lists topped by basil, rosemary, oregano and cilantro. Dill might show up at the bottom of the list, and, unfortunately, more often than not, it doesn't even make an appearance. Does anyone know why?! This herb's aromatic seeds and leaves are widely used in culinary and medicinal recipes. Dill's feathery foliage and vivid yellow flowers are much loved by cut flower enthusiasts and pollinators alike.

Not sure how to grow this often overlooked herb? Read on and let's dill with that!

What Is Dill?

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an annual plant originating from parts of Asia and the Mediterranean region, although its culin

ary usage means this plant is now widely cultivated around the globe. As a member of the Apiaceae family, dill is closely related to other garden mainstays, like carrots, fennel and parsley.

As far as herbs go, dill is an attractive one. The soft, lacy leaves and stems are a lovely cool blue-green. Brilliant, tiny yellow flowers appear on starburst-shaped umbels once the warm midsummer weather arrives. The blooms attract loads of beneficial insects to the garden, including assassin bugs, lacewings and hoverflies, all of which help control pests like aphids. Of course, most people, whether they garden or not, recognize dill's iconic fragrance, which falls somewhere between grassy and herbal.

How to Plant and Grow Dill

There are several things to be aware of when planting and growing dill in your garden.

Light

Plant dill in a full sun location. Like most other herbs, dill grows best in plenty of light; too much shade produces leggy, weak plants that are more likely to flop over. Choose a site that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day.

Soil

Dill grows easily in average, well-drained soil that is ever-so-slightly acidic. Amend heavy clay sites with plenty of compost and mulched leaves prior to planting or consider planting dill in raised beds, which generally have better drainage and avoid compaction.

How to Plant Dill

Dill can be grown from seed or as a transplanted seedling; however, the plant has a long taproot, which means it doesn't always transplant well. Direct sowing is the most reliable planting method.

Sow seeds in the spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. In regions with exceptionally hot summers and mild winters, gardeners may want to grow dill in the fall. Dill can tolerate cool temperatures and even light frosts, but seeds germinate best when the soil is 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant seeds ¼-½ inch deep, and keep the soil consistently moist. Dill seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days.

Caring For Dill

Dill is a mostly unfussy plant with a few basic care requirements.

Watering

Water dill regularly while seedlings are small and getting established. Mature dill plants have deep taproots that make them relatively drought-tolerant, and they don't like perpetually wet roots. Plant dill in a well-drained area and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Fertilizing

Dill grows well in average garden soil and doesn't require a ton of fertilizer. A single application of a slow-release 5-5-5 fertilizer at the start of the spring should be more than enough to feed this herb for the season.

Pruning

Dill rarely needs to be pruned, especially if you are regularly harvesting from the plant. Pruning off the flowering tips as soon as flower buds start to form will encourage the plant to continue producing leaves, instead of developing flowers and seeds.

Harvesting

Fresh dill leaves, often referred to as "dill weed", are delicious in salads, sandwiches, pickled dishes and many other recipes. Leaves can be harvested in as little as 45 days, as soon as plants have several pairs of side fronds.

Dill seeds can be harvested after the flowers have faded and the stems have begun to dry. Seeds can be individually handpicked, or entire stems can be snipped off and hung upside down over a bag or plate to collect the seeds. Store seeds in a cool, very dry location. Dill will readily reseed if not harvested, but unwanted seedlings can easily be pulled up.

Types of Dill to Try

‘Bouquet': A very popular dill, ‘Bouquet' has large flowerheads that produce tons of seeds. Standing two to three feet tall and maturing quickly, ‘Bouquet' is perfect as a cut flower or for seed production.

‘Fernleaf': This dwarf variety typically tops out at just 18 inches tall, making it an excellent choice for small beds and container gardens. As the name implies, this slow-to-bolt dill variety has ultra-fine leaves.

‘Hercules': ‘Hercules' is a vigorous grower that can easily reach five feet tall. Another dill that is slower to bolt, ‘Hercules' produces loads of leaves that are perfect for fresh eating.

‘Thalia': ‘Thalia' produces wide, flat leaves that have a light, mild flavor. This tall, uniform variety is great in both home and market gardens.

Dill FAQs

Can I Grow Dill in Containers?

Yes! Choose a tall or deep container to accommodate dill's long taproot. A compact variety, like ‘Fernleaf' or ‘Compatto' will fit nicely in pots and planters.

How Long Can I Store Dill for?

Fresh dill leaves have a relatively short shelf life and really only last about three days in the refrigerator. Dried dill leaves lose much of their flavor, but can still be used in a variety of recipes. Simply spread the harvested leaves out on a flat surface in a warm, dark room for a few days. Seeds and dried leaves can be stored for up to a year.

What Are the Black, Yellow and Green Caterpillars All Over My Dill Plants?

Dill is the larval host plant for black swallowtail butterflies. These caterpillars are voracious eaters and can easily defoliate a dill plant. Either grow more plants than you plan on harvesting and eating or simply pick off the individual caterpillars by hand.

Why Are My Dill Plants Falling Over?

There are two potential reasons for flopping dill. Dill is a tall, top-heavy plant that can grow several feet high, depending on the variety. Gardeners in windy areas may want to stake extra-tall individuals to keep them upright. Secondly, dill requires plenty of sunlight. Plants in shady sites may become leggy and weak as they stretch out towards the sun, causing them to flop over.

Related: 3 Common Companion Planting Myths, and What Actually Works in a Real Backyard Garden

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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 5:15 AM.