Dill

Growing Tips: Dill

Quick Reference:

Germination: 21 to 25 days. Plant seed on the soil surface, DO NOT COVER, seed needs light to germinate. Soil surface Must not dry out during the germination period. Seed spacing 1 to 2 inches. Plant spacing, 10 to 12 inches.

When and where to plant:

Dill is a warm weather plant which makes it an excellent container plant in Alaska and other cool areas. It likes to be planted where it will remain all summer, it does not transplant well. In the warmer parts of Alaska plant seed after the last frost and the ground and air temperature has warmed. Choose a sunny location with any average, well drained soil, preferably slightly acid, cultivate, enrich with plant food, smooth the surface and plant by sprinkling seed down the row. Do Not cover, seed needs light to germinate. Water well for good seed-soil contact and keep the soil surface moist until seedlings emerge. In the cooler regions start 2 to 3 seeds in individual plastic pots 5 to 6 weeks before the last frost then carefully transplant to avoid disturbing the roots to a container garden after all danger of frost is past.

Care:

Do not allow the seed to dry out during the germination process. Thin out excess plants so they are 8 to 10 inches apart. Keep plants well watered and apply plant food once a month. Support plants by staking if necessary.

Harvest:

Pick leaves at any time for fresh use or drying. Harvest seeds when they turn brown by turning seed heads upside down and collecting them as they ripen in a paper bag.