Dill: Beautiful, Useful, and Invasive
Dill is an annual herb used for pickling, fish, and salads. It self-seeds aggressively, so plant it where you want it to spread.
Dill is beautiful in the garden — feathery leaves, yellow flowers, and it attracts beneficial insects.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to sprout | 7-10 |
| Days to harvest | 40-50 |
| Sun | 6 hours |
| Spacing | 12 inches |
| Height | 2-3 feet |
| Flavor | Anise, grassy |
Why Grow It
- Fast. 40-50 days.
- Self-seeding. Comes back every year.
- Attracts beneficial insects. Ladybugs, parasitic wasps.
- Edible flowers. Use in pickles.
How It Fails
Failure 1: Bolting. Bolts fast in heat. Plant in cool weather. Failure 2: Self-seeding everywhere. Plant where you want it. Failure 3: Leggy. Not enough sun.
Comparison
| Variety | Height | Days | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dill | 2-3 ft | 40-50 | Pickling |
| Dwarf Dill | 1 ft | 40-50 | Containers |
| Bouquet | 3 ft | 40-50 | Flowers |
Common Questions
Why did my dill bolt? Heat. Plant in cool weather or succession plant.
Is dill invasive? Self-seeds aggressively. But easy to pull.
Can I grow it in containers? Yes. Dwarf varieties work well.
How do I harvest? Cut outer stems. Or harvest leaves as needed.
Can I use the flowers? Yes. In pickles or as garnish.
Does it attract bees? Yes. Beneficial insects love dill flowers.