Growing Dill

Dill is bright and aromatic in the garden and will spread aggressively if you let it go to seed.  Just harvest frequently to snip and chop into salads, vegetables, fish, soups, cucumbers and dressings.

Sun Requirements:  6 to 8 hours full sun.

Soil:  Organically enriched soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Moisture:  Average moisture requirements, does not do well in extended dry periods without supplemental water.

Spacing:  12 to 15 inches apart.

Feeding:  Dill is a very light feeder, a slow release granular fertilizer can be mixed into the soil in spring.

Growing from Seed:  Dill grows best from seed and self seeds readily.  Plants to not transplant well.

Problems:  Can attract the parsleyworm caterpillar, which becomes the black swallowtail butterfly.  You may want to plant enough for both you and the caterpillars!

Harvest

Dill can be harvested virtually anytime.  Snip the leaves as needed when very young or as the plant matures.  Dill prefers moderate temperatures, so seed in spring and fall.

Store

Use as fresh as possible or store entire branches in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer for longer storage.

Preserve

Allow the plants to flower, dry, and harvest the seeds for pickles or even breads.  The fresh leaves can be chopped into oil or butter and can be frozen for even longer storage.