Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an annual herb in the parsley family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for thousands of years. Dill is an aromatic herb with feathery, bright green leaves and yellow-green flowers. The leaves are used to flavor foods, while the seeds are used as a spice. Dill is also a popular ingredient in pickles and other condiments. It is easy to grow in most climates and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Planning Your Garden With Dill
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Dill is an annual plant. |
| USDA Zone | Dill is a hardy annual herb that can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Dill is cold tolerant and can survive temperatures down to 25. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest dill is usually around 60 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown dill plant is between 2 and 4 feet tall. |
| Spacing requirements | Dill should be planted about 12 inches apart in rows that are spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Dill is considered to be a full sun to partial shade plant, meaning it prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, but can tolerate some shade. |
| Shade tolerance | Dill is a sun-loving plant and should be grown in full sun. It tolerates partial shade but may not produce as much foliage or seeds. |
| Water requirements | Dill prefers moist, well-drained soil. It should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Aim to keep the soil moist but not wet. If the soil is too wet, the roots may rot. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing dill depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a light application of a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 should be applied at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing dill is 6.0-7.0. |
Why Dill is Popular
People like to grow dill because it is an easy-to-grow herb that adds a unique flavor to dishes. It is also a great companion plant to other vegetables, as it can help to repel certain pests. Dill can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups to pickles, and its delicate leaves make it a great garnish.
Companion Plants For Dill
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for dill include:
Common Pests For Dill
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow dill, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- flea beetles
- aphids
- cabbage loopers
- spider mites
- onion maggots
- beetles
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
