We Discovered the BEST Way to Grow Dill So It Thrives All Summer Long

Are you dreaming of lush, fragrant dill growing in your summer garden? Whether you’re a first-time gardener or just tired of your dill wilting too soon, this guide will walk you through the best way to grow dill so it thrives all summer long. With the right approach, you can enjoy a steady harvest of fresh dill leaves for your salads, pickles, and fish dishes.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know — from choosing the right location and preparing the soil to watering, pest control, and harvesting. By the end, you’ll have all the practical tips and confidence to grow dill successfully.

Why Grow Dill?

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a versatile annual herb that adds a fresh, tangy flavor to a variety of dishes. It’s easy to grow, quick to mature, and a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plus, it looks great in both herb and vegetable gardens with its feathery foliage and tall flowering stalks.

Benefits of growing dill:

• Fast-growing herb that matures in 40–60 days
• Provides both leaves (dill weed) and seeds for culinary use
• Attracts beneficial insects, improving overall garden health
• Acts as a companion plant for cucumbers, lettuce, and onions

If you’re interested in expanding your herb garden, check out Olivia’s Garden’s guide on growing tomatoes in containers for more beginner-friendly gardening inspiration.

Ideal Conditions for Growing Dill

Dill isn’t a fussy plant, but it does need specific conditions to thrive all summer long. Understanding these is the first step to a successful harvest.

1. Sunlight Requirements

Dill loves full sun. Aim for:

• 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Planting in an area with minimal shade from trees or structures

2. Soil Type and Preparation

Dill grows best in:

• Well-draining soil to prevent root rot
• Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.5)
• Soil enriched with organic compost or aged manure

Soil preparation tips:

• Till the soil to a depth of 8–10 inches
• Mix in 2–3 inches of compost before planting
• Avoid heavy clay or overly wet areas

The BEST Way to Grow Dill: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s our proven method that helps dill plants flourish all summer long, even through heatwaves and dry spells.

Step 1: Start from Seeds

Unlike many herbs, dill doesn’t transplant well due to its long taproot. It’s best to sow dill seeds directly into your garden or containers.

How to plant dill seeds:

• Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date
• Plant ¼ inch deep and 18 inches apart (dill grows tall!)
• Water lightly but consistently until seedlings emerge

Germination tip: Dill seeds typically sprout within 10 to 14 days.

Step 2: Succession Planting for a Longer Harvest

Dill tends to bolt (flower and go to seed) quickly in hot weather. To ensure a steady supply of leaves:

• Sow new seeds every 2 to 3 weeks
• Plant in batches through early summer
• Use shade cloth during peak summer to extend leaf production

This succession planting method is one of the secrets to enjoying dill all summer long.

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Step 3: Water Wisely

Dill is moderately drought-tolerant once established, but young plants need consistent moisture.

Watering guidelines:

• Keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy) during germination
• Water 1 inch per week, increasing during dry spells
• Water at the base to avoid fungal diseases

Pro tip: Add a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Step 4: Feed Lightly

Dill is not a heavy feeder. Too much fertilizer can actually reduce flavor intensity.

Fertilizer tips:

• Mix balanced organic fertilizer into the soil before planting
• Optionally apply diluted fish emulsion or compost tea once a month
• Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers that encourage excess leaf growth with weaker aroma

Common Dill Growing Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Even if you follow the best practices, a few issues may arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common dill growing problems.

1. Bolting (Premature Flowering)

Cause: Hot temperatures or inconsistent watering

Solution:

• Harvest frequently to delay flowering
• Use shade cloth in extreme heat
• Sow new seeds regularly

2. Weak or Leggy Plants

Cause: Insufficient sunlight or overcrowding

Solution:

• Ensure 6–8 hours of sun daily
• Thin seedlings so plants are spaced at least 12–18 inches apart

3. Pests and Diseases

While dill is relatively pest-resistant, keep an eye out for:

• Aphids
• Cutworms
• Powdery mildew

Natural control tips:

• Spray aphids with a mix of water + mild dish soap
• Hand-pick cutworms if spotted early
• Improve air circulation to prevent mildew

Dill also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps — a natural pest control method in itself!

Harvesting Dill: When and How

Knowing when to harvest dill can make a big difference in flavor and yield.

For Leaves (Dill Weed):

• Begin harvesting about 4–6 weeks after planting
• Use clean scissors to snip the top 2–3 inches
• Harvest in the morning for the best flavor

Tip: Regularly harvesting leaves helps prevent bolting and encourages bushier growth.

For Seeds:

• Wait until the flower heads turn brown and dry out
• Cut the heads and place them in a paper bag to dry completely
• Once dry, shake the bag to release the seeds

Dill seeds are excellent for pickling, seasoning bread, or planting next season.

Can You Grow Dill in Containers?

Yes! Dill grows surprisingly well in containers as long as you give it enough depth for its long taproot.

Container growing tips:

• Use a pot that is at least 12 inches deep
• Choose well-draining potting mix with compost
• Place the container in a sunny location
• Water more frequently, as containers dry out faster

Container gardening is a great option for urban gardeners or those with limited space.

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Companion Plants: What to Plant Near Dill

Dill not only tastes great but also helps your other crops thrive.

Best companion plants for dill:

• Cucumbers: Repels cucumber beetles
• Lettuce: Improves flavor and growth
• Onions: Deters pests

Avoid planting near:

• Carrots: Competes for nutrients; both are in the same family
• Tomatoes: May hinder tomato growth if left to flower

Saving Dill Seeds for Next Season

One of the joys of gardening is seed saving. Dill makes this easy!

Steps to save dill seeds:

1. Let some plants bolt and form flowers.
2. Allow flower heads to dry on the plant.
3. Cut dry flower heads and place them upside down in a paper bag.
4. Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Label with the date and variety for the following season. Dill seeds remain viable for about 3 to 5 years.

Dill Growing FAQs (Beginner-Friendly)

Can dill survive hot summer weather?

Yes, with regular watering, mulching, and succession planting, dill can thrive even in summer heat.

How tall does dill grow?

Dill can grow up to 3 to 5 feet tall, especially when left to flower. Stake tall plants to prevent them from flopping over.

How long does dill last?

Dill grows quickly and can produce leaves for 4 to 6 weeks before bolting. Use succession planting to extend your harvest all summer long.

Can I grow dill indoors?

Yes, if you have a sunny windowsill (south-facing is ideal) or a grow light, you can grow dill indoors year-round.

Final Thoughts: Your Summer Dill Success Starts Now

Growing dill is one of the most rewarding projects for any beginner gardener. With its fast growth, flavorful leaves, and useful seeds, it’s a must-have for summer gardens.

By following the method we outlined — starting from seeds, using succession planting, providing the right sunlight and water, and watching for common issues — you can keep your dill lush and productive all season long.

If you want to learn more about improving your garden soil before planting, check out Olivia’s Garden’s guide on how to test your garden soil.

So grab your seeds, prep your soil, and get ready to enjoy fresh, fragrant dill all summer. Happy gardening!