Feathery blue-green foliage and delicate umbrella-shaped flower heads make Dill both a beautiful ornamental plant and a highly useful culinary herb. Its aromatic leaves are widely used in salads, fish dishes, and pickling, while the flowers and seeds are equally valued in the kitchen. Fast growing and easy to cultivate, dill brings texture, movement, and wildlife value to kitchen gardens, raised beds, and containers.
Dill is a versatile herb that earns its place in both ornamental and edible gardens. The finely divided foliage creates a soft, airy effect among vegetables and flowers, while the blooms attract a wide range of beneficial insects. Easy to grow from seed and quick to establish, it is a rewarding addition to any sunny garden.
Annual Herb
Edible, Culinary Herb, Fast Growing, Pollinator Friendly
Flowers: June to September
Foliage: April to October
Scientific Name
Anethum graveolens (strong-scented dill)
Common Name
Dill
Origin
Native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia. It has been cultivated for thousands of years as both a culinary and medicinal herb.
Pruning Tips
Harvest leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth. Allow some plants to flower if you would like to collect seeds or support pollinators. Remove spent flower heads once seeds have been harvested if self-seeding is not desired.
Wildlife Value
An excellent plant for beneficial insects. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, hoverflies, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and butterflies. It is also a food plant for the caterpillars of several butterfly species.
Positioning
Thrives in full sun and is ideal for herb gardens, vegetable plots, raised beds, wildlife gardens, and large containers. Best grown in a sheltered location protected from strong winds.
Water
Water regularly during dry periods, particularly while young plants are establishing. Keep soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging.
Soil
Prefers fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Grows best in loam or sandy soils with good moisture retention.
Food
Generally requires little feeding. Incorporating garden compost into the soil before planting will usually provide sufficient nutrients for healthy growth.
Pet-safe
Generally regarded as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
Sprouts Top Tips
Sow dill directly where it is to grow whenever possible. Like many members of the carrot family, it develops a taproot and can be reluctant to establish if transplanted.
Did You Know?
Dill has been cultivated for over 5,000 years and was highly valued by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The name “dill” is thought to derive from an Old Norse word meaning “to soothe”, reflecting its long history of traditional use.
