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Dill is a highly ornamental herb with fine, feathery foliage and a wonderful aniseed and parsley flavour. It is a versatile herb that can be used in seafood, poultry, salads, and egg dishes. In Australia, dill can be grown year-round in most climates, avoiding extreme heat and cold. It is best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. It is best to sow seeds directly where you want the plant to grow as dill seedlings do not like being transplanted. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with rich, well-drained soil and protection from strong winds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Frost-free climates or after the chance of frost has passed in Spring or Summer |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-drained, enriched with compost or well-rotted manure |
| Watering | Regularly, to keep the soil moist |
| Feeding | Regularly with a liquid fertiliser that’s suitable for leafy herbs, such as Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food |
| Mulch | Organic mulch, like sugar cane or lucerne, to help conserve moisture |
| Flowers | Remove flowers to encourage leafy growth |
| Harvesting | Harvest leaves as needed; collect seeds when seed heads turn from green to brown |
| Height | 40-90cm tall |
| Pots | Medium to large pots with good drainage, at least 30-40cm deep by the same width |
| Seedlings | Thin to 20cm apart |
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What You'll Learn
Best soil and climate conditions
Dill grows best in full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. Choose a sunny spot in your garden that is sheltered from strong winds, as dill's tall foliage can be blown over easily. Dill grows well in pots, so if you don't have a sheltered spot in your garden, you can grow it indoors in a pot by a south- or west-facing window.
Dill grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil's pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.5–7.0). It is recommended to use a soil improver and fertiliser to enrich the soil. The soil temperature should be between 10°C and 20°C, or between 15°C and 21°C for the best germination results.
Dill can be grown in medium to large pots with good drainage that are at least 30-40cm deep by the same width. If growing in pots, use a potting mix and a suitable pot, such as the Scotts Osmocote® Plus Organics Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Potting Mix. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the original nursery pot and the same depth. Mix a small amount of compost or soil improver through the original soil at the base of the planting hole. Dill does not like root disturbance, so avoid disturbing the roots when planting.
If growing dill in the ground, sow seeds directly where you want the plant to grow, as dill seedlings don't transplant well. Sow seeds at a depth of approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the prepared soil and lightly cover with soil or potting mix. Keep them moist while they germinate, which should take 10-14 days. Seedlings should be thinned to around 20cm apart when they grow.
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How to sow dill seeds
Sowing dill seeds is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure successful germination and growth. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sow dill seeds:
- Choose a suitable location: Dill thrives in full sun and prefers warmer climates. Select a spot in your garden that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. If you live in an area with strong winds, consider planting dill among other plants that can provide wind protection or choose a protected location. Alternatively, you can grow dill in medium to large pots with good drainage, placed in a sunny spot.
- Prepare the soil: Dill grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. If planting in the ground, improve the soil by mixing in a small amount of compost or soil improver. For potting, use a good-quality potting mix specifically designed for herbs and vegetables.
- Sow the seeds: Sow dill seeds directly into the ground where the plants are to grow, as dill does not transplant easily. Sow seeds at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed, or about one-fourth of an inch deep. If sowing in pots, sprinkle the seeds onto the surface of the potting mix. Leave enough space between seeds or thin out the seedlings once they are a few inches tall, allowing them to grow without competing for nutrients.
- Water and maintain moisture: Keep the soil moist during germination, which typically takes 10-14 days. Water regularly, ensuring the soil doesn't become waterlogged. For potted dill, mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvesting: You can start harvesting dill leaves when the plant has four to five leaves. Remove older leaves first by pinching or cutting them off. To harvest dill seeds, wait for the flower stalks to turn tan, then cut them and hang them upside down in a paper bag to collect the seeds.
By following these steps, you can successfully sow and grow dill from seeds, enjoying fresh dill leaves and seeds for your culinary creations.
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How to grow dill in pots
Dill is a versatile herb with a fresh, feathery look and a delightful aroma. It is easy to grow and care for, making it a great addition to your garden or kitchen. Here is a guide on how to grow dill successfully in pots.
Choosing a Pot and Location
Select a medium to a large-sized pot with good drainage holes at the bottom. Dill grows a long taproot, so choose a pot that is at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep and has a similar width. Place the pot in a sunny spot, preferably with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day, protected from strong winds.
Soil Preparation
Dill prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Fill your chosen pot with any soilless potting mix or a specialised herb potting mix. You can also add a small amount of compost or soil improver to the base of the pot to enhance the soil's nutrients.
Planting Dill Seeds or Seedlings
If planting dill seeds, sprinkle a few on the surface of the prepared soil and cover them lightly with a thin layer of potting mix. Water the seeds well and keep them moist during germination, which typically takes 10-14 days. If using seedlings, dig a hole twice as wide as the nursery pot and the same depth. Remove the seedling from its nursery pot and place it in the centre of the planting hole, being careful not to disturb the roots. Water it well.
Care and Maintenance
Water your dill plant regularly and mulch around it to retain moisture and suppress weeds. You can also fertilise your dill with a herb or vegetable liquid plant food or a controlled-release fertiliser. As dill can grow long and leggy, consider pruning it to encourage bushier growth and harvest the leaves as needed. Remove any flowers to prolong leafy growth.
Additional Tips
- If you live in a frost-free climate, you can grow dill year-round. Otherwise, plant after the chance of frost has passed in spring or summer.
- Dill grows well in pots but can also be planted directly in the ground in your garden.
- When planting dill seeds, sow them close together and at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed.
- Dill is a tall herb, so consider planting it among other plants that can offer wind protection and support.
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How to care for dill plants
Dill is a versatile herb that can be grown in Australia year-round in frost-free climates. It is a tall-growing herb, reaching up to 90 cm tall, so it is best planted at the back of a garden bed. It is a short-lived plant, producing leafy harvests for several weeks until it starts to flower.
When growing dill from seeds, choose a sunny spot in your garden and prepare the soil by enriching it with a soil improver and plant fertiliser. Sow the seeds at a depth of about three times the diameter of the seed, or about a quarter to half an inch deep, and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist while the seeds germinate, which should take 10 to 14 days. As the seedlings grow, thin them out to be 10-20 cm apart, removing any weak, straggly ones and leaving only the strongest.
Dill can also be grown in medium to large pots with good drainage. Choose a pot at least 200 mm wide and 300 mm deep and fill it with a potting mix suitable for herbs. Dill does not like root disturbance, so be careful not to disturb the roots when planting. Water it well and mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Keep your dill plant consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater, as dill does not like to be wet. The soil should never be allowed to dry out entirely between waterings, but wilting and then dying is often an indicator of too much water. Dill grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. It does not require frequent fertilising; a light feeding of fertiliser applied once in late spring should be enough.
Harvest dill leaves as needed, but for the best flavour, use them fresh as soon as possible after picking. To prolong leafy growth, remove any flowers that appear.
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How to harvest dill
Dill is best grown as an annual herb in Australia, as it will die once it has finished flowering or has been hit by frost. It can be grown from seeds or potted plants year-round in frost-free climates, or planted after the chance of frost has passed in spring or summer.
Now, for the step-by-step guide on how to harvest dill:
Location and Timing
Choose a sunny spot in your garden or a pot at least 200mm wide and 300mm deep. Dill can be grown in medium to large pots with good drainage. If growing in a garden, plant dill at the back of a garden bed or herb garden, as it can grow quite tall (up to 1 metre). The best time to plant dill is when the soil temperature is between 10°C and 20°C.
Soil Preparation
Enrich the soil with a fertiliser or soil improver. If growing in a pot, use a potting mix specifically designed for herbs and vegetables. Dig a hole twice as wide as the nursery pot and the same depth. Mix a small amount of compost or soil improver into the base of the planting hole. Dill does not like root disturbance, so be careful not to disturb the roots when planting.
Planting and Care
Remove the dill plant from its nursery pot and place it into the centre of the planting hole. Water it well and mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly and feed weekly with a herb liquid plant food. As the seedlings grow, thin them to 20cm apart, removing any weak, straggly ones and leaving only the strongest.
Harvesting
Harvest dill leaves as needed, usually about eight weeks after sowing. To collect the seeds, wait until the seed heads have turned from green to brown. Remove any flowers to prolong leafy growth. Dill is compatible with several other plants, including cabbage, coriander, fennel, tomatoes, and broccoli.
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