Holly's Homestead — Annual Herb
Dill
Anethum graveolens · Carrot family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, direct sown
MATURITY 40–60 days for leaf
TYPE Annual, direct sown
MATURITY 40–60 days for leaf
Sun
Full sun
Water
Regular
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
20–30cm
Depth
0.5cm
01A tall, self-seeding annual
Dill grows quite tall and often self-seeds readily once established — leaving a few flower heads to set seed each year can keep a patch going almost indefinitely.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow; dislikes transplanting.
Soil
Rich, well-drained.
Timing
Sow in spring through summer.
03Growing care
- Stake in windy spots — tall growth can topple.
- Water regularly, especially in hot weather.
- Harvest leaves before flowering for the best flavour.
- Let some plants flower and self-seed for next season.
04Problems
- Aphids — hose off.
- Bolting — heat stress; keep well watered.
- Powdery mildew — humid, crowded conditions.
- Swallowtail caterpillars — can defoliate quickly but are otherwise harmless; tolerate or relocate.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Leaves reach usable size, before flowering for the best flavour.
Method
Snip fronds as needed.
Curing
Air-dry, or freeze for longer storage.
Storage
Fresh, fridge a few days; dried or frozen, several months.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
CabbageCucumberOnionAvoid nearby
CarrotFennelRotation note
Rotate loosely with the carrot family.