Anethum graveolens 'Bouquet'
herbDill is a fast-growing annual herb with feathery blue-green foliage and a fresh, tangy, grassy flavor, indispensable for pickles, fish, and potato dishes, while its seeds season brines and breads. The tall, airy plants are quick to bolt into flat yellow flower umbels that draw beneficial insects, and Bouquet is a compact strain bred for abundant foliage.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 3 days
Harvest
~65 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
8-12 in. apart
Planting Depth
1/4 in.
Soil pH
5.5-6.5
Soil Type
Average, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
Lightly once during growth
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10, light
Direct sow dill where it is to grow, since its long taproot resents transplanting, in full sun and average, well-drained soil, sowing in succession every few weeks for a steady leaf supply. The plants bolt to flower quickly in summer heat, so successive sowings keep tender foliage coming; let a few plants flower and set seed, and dill will self-sow and return on its own.
Direct sow
Apr 1
Projected first harvest
Jun 5
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Dill itself draws hoverflies and ladybugs that clear aphids; rinse heavy colonies
This swallowtail caterpillar is usually tolerated; handpick if you need the foliage
Space for airflow and avoid overhead watering
Snip the feathery leaves as needed once the plants are established, taking the older outer foliage and harvesting before the plant flowers for the best leaf flavor. For dill seed, let the umbels bloom and ripen, then cut the heads as the seeds turn brown and dry them to catch the seed.
Dill is used in small amounts but contributes vitamin C, vitamin A, manganese, and antioxidants, along with the aromatic essential oils that give its distinctive flavor and have a traditional use for digestion.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.