Dill — Grow Guide — Holly's Homestead

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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.

Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.

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.

Preserving

See Dehydrating (drying leafy herbs for storage) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.

06Companions & rotation

Plant nearby

CabbageCucumberOnion

Avoid nearby

CarrotFennel

Rotation note

Rotate loosely with the carrot family.