Dill is prized for its herbaceous flavor and bright, fresh aroma. Its aromatic feathery leaves can be used fresh and dry to season dips, soups, and salads. It's also used as a pickling spice for roasts and stews.
Dill doesn't grow too big so it is perfect for a container garden. It's easy to grow from seed too. If you'd like to forgo the usual starter plants and use an herb starter kit to grow dill from seeds, here's a quick guide to get you started:
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How long does it take to grow dill from seed?
It takes about 10 to 14 days for the dill to grow from seed. We suggest sowing the seeds during the late spring season through the summer season, just as the danger of frost has passed. Dill is best grown directly in the soil so avoid transplanting the seedlings. Sow dill seeds every 2 to 3 weeks if you need a constant supply of the herb for pickling.
Growing Dill in Home Gardens
Dill is best grown directly into the soil and will not transplant easily. So pick a pot that gives the herb room to grow. The herb needs a sunny spot, an area in the garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight. Plant the seeds into the soil (well-drained, slightly acidic soil, rich in organic matter), about ¼-inch deep then cover with a thin layer of soil. After 10 to 14 days, the seedlings will sprout then you can thin the plants to about 12 to 18 inches apart - if they weren’t already spaced well enough.
Planting Dill Outside
If you’re planting dill outside, be sure that the herb is protected from strong winds. Dill is a willowy herb with feathery leaves and hollow stalks. A strong wind could easily knock the plant over if you don’t stake them.
Choose a spot that gets a lot of sun, about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. As soon as the threat of frost has passed, sow the dill seeds directly in the ground, setting the seeds one-fourth of an inch deep in rows two feet apart.
Once the seeds have germinated, let them grow until the seedlings are about 2 inches high. Thin them to stand 10 to 12 inches apart. Keep the area where you planted the dill free of weeds and unwanted growths. To create a permanent patch of dill, let some of the dill plants go to flower so the plants could seed themselves.
How to Grow Dill Indoors
Growing dill indoors is possible as long as you provide enough light. Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight otherwise, use 12 hours of fluorescent light.
Unless the herb garden kit comes with its own growing pots, get a deep pot with holes at the bottom to provide good drainage. Fill the pot with well-draining, rich soil. The pH of the soil should be between neutral and slightly acidic.
Set the seeds in ¼ deep inch holes, then cover with soil. Wait for 10 to 14 days for the seeds to germinate. Once the dill plant is tall enough, install a stake. Dill is naturally tall and willowy, and it becomes spindlier when grown indoors due to the lower light levels. A stake supports the tall yet delicate stalks of the plant.
Water the dill plant freely during the growing season and continue to sow every few weeks if you want a steady supply of fresh herbs for pickling.
Growing Dill in a Container
You don't need a lot of room to grow dill. This herb is quite petite, especially if you've been dutifully pruning it. You can grow dill seeds directly into a container. You can set the container indoors and outdoors - dill will thrive anywhere as long as it gets a lot of sun.
Fill the container with potting mix or well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil, then cover them with a thin layer of soil. Spritz a little water to keep the soil moist.
To ensure faster germination, keep the temperature above 60 degrees F. (15C). You can set the pot outside if the threat of frost has passed or under a grow light. Mist the seeds several times a week until the seedlings sprout. Once the seedlings sprout, it’s just a matter of establishing the herb until it’s ready for harvest!
Herb Garden Kit That Comes with Dill Seeds
Imagine never using store-bought herbs and seasoning your favorite dishes with fresh herbs you’ve grown on your own. You can build a small herb garden indoors or outdoors with an herb kit. It’s a great way to experience growing your own food.
Remember, dill grows best in rich soil, and the ECOgardener herb garden kit comes with the best growing medium for the herb. It has everything you need to build a small container garden in the kitchen or the garden.
Want to grow dill from seed? Get the ECOgardener herb starter kit today and give herb gardening a try. It’s perfect for newbie gardeners too!
