How to grow Dill
Anethum graveolens
Feathery leaves and seed for pickles.
Dill is an easy annual you grow for both feathery leaves and seed heads — essential for pickles. It bolts fast in heat, so sow a little every few weeks and let some self-seed.
Grow Dill with step-by-step help for your exact yard.
Start free in Seededly →Dill at a glance
| Sun | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Spacing | 10 in |
| Harvest | 40–60 days |
| Plant | Spring & summer |
| Note | Bolts fast; let it self-seed |
How to grow Dill, step by step
Sow direct, often
- Direct-sow where it’s to grow — it dislikes transplanting.
- Sow every few weeks for a steady leaf supply.
Sun & support
- Full sun; tall types may need a little support in wind.
- Even water keeps leaves coming before it bolts.
Harvest leaf then seed
- Snip feathery leaves young for flavor.
- Let some plants flower and set seed for pickles — and to self-sow.
Dill problems & fixes
Dill — Bolts to flower fast: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Normal in heat. Sow often so there’s always young dill.
Dill — Floppy plants: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Wind on tall stems. Give a little support; don’t over-feed.
Dill — Caterpillars on leaves: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Often swallowtail larvae — usually leave a few; there’s plenty.
Recommended dill varieties
- Bouquet — All-rounder. Lots of leaf and seed heads.
- Fernleaf — Compact. Slow to bolt; great in pots.
- Mammoth — Big. Tall, for lots of pickle heads.
Dill month-by-month
| January | Off-season. |
|---|---|
| February | Plan a sunny spot. |
| March | First sowings. |
| April | Direct-sow. |
| May | Leafy growth — pick young. |
| June | Sow again; some bolt. |
| July | Flower heads form. |
| August | Harvest seed heads. |
| September | Late sowing for fall leaf. |
| October | Let some self-seed. |
| November | Volunteers may appear. |
| December | Off-season. |