herb

Dill

Feathery, aniseed-sharp and quick. Dill gives you something to pick in four to six weeks, and keeps going as long as you stop it flowering.

Dill seedling
Seedling
Mature Dill
Ready to pick
Thrives
10–22°C
Water
Medium
Difficulty
Beginner
Ready in
30–40  days
Spacing
20cm apart
Containers
Yes

How to plant it

  • Plant 20cm apart in part shade and well-drained soil. It gets to about 45cm tall.
  • Do not plant it near fennel. The two cross-pollinate and you end up with muddled flavour in both.
  • Start picking the feathery leaves at four to six weeks. Take from the outside and the centre keeps coming.
  • Water regularly through hot spells. Dry heat sends it straight to flower and the leaf flavour drops away.
  • It grows in a pot, but cut it back regularly or it goes leggy and falls over.