Dill Seeds - Mammoth Long Island - Anethum graveolens

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 3-11 - Grows as a warm-season annual in all zones. It can be planted in both spring and fall, depending on the climate. It is very cold-tolerant once established but cannot handle a hard freeze.

Best performance in Zones 3-8, where it thrives in the milder summer temperatures without bolting (going to seed) too quickly.

Northern Zones (3-6) - Plant seeds in spring after the last frost date. You can plant in succession every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest of fresh leaves.

Hot Climate Zones (7-11) - Plant in early spring or in late summer/early fall for a fall and winter harvest. Dill will quickly bolt in extreme summer heat, so providing some afternoon shade is beneficial.

Soil Temperature - Requires a cool to warm soil for germination. Optimal soil temperature is between 60F and 70F. Planting too late in the season in hot climates can cause it to bolt quickly.

Growing Season - Requires about 60-70 days to reach maturity for seed heads. Fresh leaves can be harvested much sooner, making it a quick-to-produce herb.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:

Direct Sow Outdoors: Dill has a long taproot and does not transplant well. It is best to sow seeds directly into the garden after the last expected frost date in your area. For a continuous supply, sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks throughout the spring and early summer.

Fall Planting: In zones with mild winters, you can plant seeds in late summer or early fall for a winter harvest.

Planting:

Choose a Location: Select a spot with full sun. Dill can tolerate partial shade, but its growth and flower production will be best in a sunny location.

Soil: Dill is not overly picky about soil but prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. It does not thrive in heavy, wet clay soils.

Sow Seeds: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep. Space them 12-18 inches apart for Mammoth Long Island variety to allow for its large size.

Water: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy until the seedlings emerge, which typically takes 10-14 days.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Consistent moisture is key to preventing the plant from bolting prematurely.

Fertilizing: Dill generally does not require fertilizer. Too much nitrogen can cause lush, leafy growth at the expense of flower and seed production.

Harvesting:

Leaves: You can begin harvesting the feathery leaves ("dill weed") as soon as the plant is a few inches tall. Harvest from the outer leaves first to allow for continued growth.

Seed Heads: For dill seed or pickling, allow the flower heads to form and the seeds to ripen. The seeds are ready to harvest when the flowers have faded and the seeds have turned a light brown color.

Pests & Diseases: Dill is a host plant for the Swallowtail butterfly caterpillar (also known as the "dill worm"). These caterpillars will eat the leaves, but they are not considered a pest and should be allowed to grow to support the butterfly population.

Self-Seeding: To encourage dill to self-seed, allow some plants to go to seed and drop them in the garden at the end of the season.