Grow feathery, aromatic dill for leaves and seed heads
This curated selection of Dill Seeds showcases the classic culinary and aromatic herb Anethum graveolens, valued for fresh leaves and mature seed heads. As an annual herb in the Apiaceae family, it bears fine, feathery foliage and soft umbel flowers that create an airy flowering display in borders and the kitchen garden. The blossoms are a noted pollinator attractor, supporting beneficial insects while the foliage perfumes the herb garden. Both leaf and seed serve as a versatile pickling herb and seasoning, with options balancing leafy abundance and generous seed production. From compact forms suited to container gardening to taller garden dill seeds for mixed plantings, these Dill Seeds combine ornamental lightness with practical fragrance and flavour.
Cultivation is straightforward: plants prefer full sun, and many growers opt to direct sow after last frost, then use succession sowing through the warm season; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Direct sowing encourages strong establishment. As a companion planting choice, the feathery canopy offers habitat for predatory insects, and the delicate umbels integrate easily among vegetables. In pots, container gardening remains reliable with periodic sowings to maintain a steady flush of dill leaves. Selected lines include bolt-tolerant strains suited to regular leaf cutting, while seed-focused types develop prominent umbels for seed saving from mature dill seed heads. These Dill Seeds support both kitchen and garden aims with minimal fuss.
Within this range, dill weed seeds and common dill seeds cover diverse habits, from fine, ferny foliage to vigorous, self-seeding strains that naturalise lightly where conditions suit. The aromatic herb offers a long flowering window, extending nectar resources for pollinating insects while providing continual harvests for the kitchen garden. Leaf-forward selections emphasise tender fronds, while pickling types form sturdy seed heads for spice racks and brines. Whether edging an herb garden, tucking among vegetables, or brightening patio containers, Dill Seeds fit seamlessly into edible and ornamental plantings, bringing texture, fragrance, and biodiversity in one uncomplicated annual.
Anethum graveolens
Navigate related categories to explore complementary herbs and vegetable themes. Begin with the broader Vegetables Seeds collection, then browse culinary companions such as fennel, chervil, chives, and borage, alongside soothing chamomile and vibrant watercress. You can also explore practical groupings like fresh leafy options, choices suitable for direct sowing, and varieties that perform well in containers, helping you plan diverse plantings through the season.
Anethum graveolens
An annual culinary and aromatic herb in the Apiaceae family, dill thrives in full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Direct sow after the last frost and continue with succession sowing through the warm season; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Keep the seedbed evenly moist and avoid waterlogging; seedlings dislike root disturbance. Thin to 20–30 cm spacing, and expect plants to reach about 60–90 cm, with feathery foliage topped by airy umbel flowers. Water regularly during dry spells but avoid high nitrogen, which can cause soft, floppy growth. In sheltered beds or containers it may self-seed lightly; stake in exposed sites and deadhead to limit volunteers.
- For a steady supply, direct sow thinly every 2–3 weeks; avoid transplanting taprooted seedlings.
- Suitable for container gardening: choose a deep, 20–30 cm wide pot with free-draining mix; water consistently and avoid disturbing roots.
- Allow some plants to flower; umbels attract pollinators and other beneficial insects, supporting companion planting.
- Edible use: harvest young dill leaves regularly; for pickling, let some seed heads mature fully and dry for seed saving.
- Ornamental value: feathery foliage and airy umbels add soft texture; provide discreet support in windy sites.
How to grow dill from seed
Dill seeds are best direct sown, as this aromatic annual herb resents root disturbance. Rake a fine tilth, sow thinly where plants will mature, and cover lightly; keep the surface evenly moist until established. Thin seedlings to allow airflow and sturdy growth. In full sun and well‑drained, moderately fertile soil, plants develop feathery foliage and can reach about 60–90 cm in height. For a steady supply of dill leaves in the kitchen garden, practice succession sowing at intervals through the warm season.
When to sow dill seeds outdoors
Sow dill seeds outdoors after the last frost when soils have warmed and nights are reliably mild. In areas with long warm periods, continue with succession sowing for fresh foliage and to stagger flowering. Where winters are gentle, cautious autumn sowing may be possible for earlier growth, though protection from cold snaps can be helpful. Avoid very hot, dry spells for initial germination; consistent moisture during establishment supports strong starts.
Dill spacing and care guide
Space dill plants about 20–30 cm (8–12 in) apart to reduce competition and help prevent mildew in dense stands. Choose full sun and a well‑drained, moderately fertile soil; overly rich conditions can make stems sappy and prone to lodging. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging. Taller stems may benefit from discreet support in windy spots. To limit premature bolting, maintain even moisture and avoid heat stress; succession sowing and selecting bolt‑resistant strains can also help. Light harvesting encourages bushier growth without exhausting the plant.
Dill seeds for containers
Container gardening suits dill when the pot has generous depth, free‑draining compost, and strong sun. Use a container with ample drainage and grow a single plant per medium pot, or a small group in a larger trough with roughly 20–30 cm spacing. Water to keep the mix moist but not saturated; allow the top to dry slightly between waterings. Minimal feeding is sufficient for this culinary herb. Because dill has a taproot and dislikes disturbance, sow directly into the final container and avoid repotting.
Does dill self‑seed in the garden
Dill readily self‑seeds if umbel flowers are left to mature and the seed heads shatter. This can be an advantage in an herb garden, gently naturalizing new plants each season. If self‑seeding is unwanted, remove spent umbels before seeds drop or practice timely seed saving by cutting heads as they turn brown and drying them in paper bags. Seedlings are easy to recognize and thin where they appear too densely or in less convenient spots.
Are dill flowers good for pollinators
Yes. The flat, nectar‑rich umbels of dill are notable pollinator attractors, drawing bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects from the Apiaceae‑loving guild. Allowing a portion of plants to flower supports biodiversity and can aid companion planting by inviting predators of common garden pests. Flowering may slow leaf production, so combine this with succession sowing: let some plants bloom for wildlife while newer sowings provide fresh dill leaves for the pickling herb’s culinary uses.
Seeds are sourced from vetted producers and breeders operating to recognized quality standards. Batches are purity and germination tested, and supplied untreated unless stated otherwise; some lines may be organically produced or F1 hybrids as indicated on product pages. We do not knowingly source genetically modified seed, and stock complies with applicable seed and phytosanitary regulations. Growing guidance is general and may vary with microclimate, soil, hardiness zone, and hemisphere; product pages carry specific instructions.
Grow feathery, aromatic dill for leaves and seed heads
Dill Seeds produce feathery foliage and aromatic umbels valued for fresh leaf harvest and spice-laden seed heads. Direct sow after the last frost once soils warm, or in mild conditions late summer to autumn for overwintered crowns. Select a sunny, sheltered site with free-draining soil; avoid excess nitrogen that encourages lanky growth. Sow thinly at 0.5 cm deep, keep evenly moist, and expect germination in 10–21 days. Thin to 20–30 cm to reduce lodging; taller strains benefit from support in breezy spots. Succession sow every 2–3 weeks for a steady supply of leaves. Dill dislikes root disturbance, so transplanting is not recommended. Allow some plants to flower to attract beneficial insects and to set seed for culinary use or self-sown volunteers. Harvest leaves in the morning for peak aroma, and collect seed heads when they turn brown and papery. Related category: Vegetables Seeds
€4,95
€4,95
