2 named cultivars

annual

Dill

Anethum graveolens

The Story

Plant Bio

Anethum graveolens, dill, is an erect branching annual herb from the Mediterranean and western Asia, reaching two and a half to five feet in flower. Hollow ridged stems carry very finely divided blue-green feathery leaves, and broad flat umbels of tiny yellow flowers open in summer, followed by the flat ribbed seeds.

It is the larval host of the black swallowtail butterfly, so caterpillars stripping the foliage are worth planting extra for rather than removing. Dill bolts to flower quickly in heat and once it does the leaf crop is over, so sow a short row every three weeks through the season rather than one large sowing.

Uses & Benefits:

Airy blue-green feathery foliage and broad yellow umbels that lighten a border or herb bed.

Both leaf and seed are kitchen staples, and it self-seeds readily for the following year.

The larval host of the black swallowtail, and the umbels feed bees, wasps and beneficial predators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

45 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Mediterranean and western Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic; leaves and seeds are edible

Planting

How to Grow

Sow direct where it is to grow; it dislikes transplanting.
Choose full sun and freely draining soil.
Sow a short row every three weeks for continuity.
Thin seedlings rather than moving them.
Plant extra to share with swallowtail caterpillars.
Let a few plants flower and seed for next year.

Pro Tip

Dill resents root disturbance, so sow it where it will grow — transplanted seedlings bolt almost immediately.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Sow direct rather than transplanting 🌱
Sow a short row every three weeks 📆
Plant extra for swallowtail caterpillars 🦋
Let a few plants self-seed 🌾

Don't

Transplant seedlings ❌
Grow it right beside fennel ❌
Remove swallowtail caterpillars ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Harvest Seed
Sow

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Herb and kitchen gardenButterfly and pollinator plantingBack of an ornamental edible border

Companion Plants

Cabbage Cucumber Lettuce Onion Basil

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dill questions

What zones can Dill grow in?

Dill is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Dill deer resistant?

Yes — Dill is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Dill bloom?

Dill typically blooms in summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Dill need full sun?

Dill does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Dill drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dill handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.