How to Grow Dill

Beginner-Friendly

Anethum graveolens

A fast-growing annual herb. Both leaves (dill weed) and seeds are used. Attracts beneficial wasps and swallowtail butterflies.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
40–60 days
typical
Per Square Foot
4
Plant Spacing
15 cm / 6"
Sun
6+ hours
Water
1.0" / 25 mm
Fertilization
light feeder

Growing Notes

Direct sow after last frost. Succession sow for continuous harvest. Avoid planting near carrots — they may cross-pollinate.

Varieties & Cultivars

6 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

1992 AAS winner

(1)
Fernleaf
40–60 days Open-Pollinated

slow to bolt; ideal for containers

Height
15–18" (38–46 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Bushy branching type

(1)
Bunching
55–65 days Open-Pollinated

good for fresh herb harvest; compact growth; prolific seed producer

Height
12–18" (30–46 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–10
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Heirloom

(1)
Long Island Mammoth
65–70 days Open-Pollinated

large seed heads; excellent for pickling

Height
36–48" (91–122 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Standard OP dill

(1)
Bouquet
45–55 days Open-Pollinated

Height
24–30" (60–76 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Tall growth up to 180cm

(1)
Mammoth
60–70 days Open-Pollinated

excellent for dill seed harvest; good for pickling; heirloom type

Height
47–71" (120–180 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.7 oz (20 g)
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
3–10
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Tetra dill

(1)
Dukat
40–55 days Open-Pollinated

more leaf per plant; slow to bolt

Height
24–36" (61–91 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside dill, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Onion : Dill attracts pollinators near onion plants
Cucumber : Dill attracts beneficial wasps that prey on cucumber pests
Lettuce : Dill attracts beneficial insects near lettuce
Cauliflower : Dill attracts beneficial insects that protect cauliflower
Cabbage : Dill attracts parasitic wasps that control cabbage worms
Asparagus : Dill attracts parasitic wasps that control asparagus beetle larvae
Broccoli : Dill attracts beneficial insects that protect brassicas
Kale : Dill attracts beneficial wasps that control kale pests
Brussels Sprouts : Dill attracts parasitic wasps that control cabbage worms on brussels sprouts

Keep Apart

Carrot : Same family (Apiaceae); may cross-pollinate and inhibit carrot growth
Tomato : Mature dill can inhibit tomato growth

Square Foot Spacing

4 per sq ft

6" apart (2×2 grid)

View full spacing chart →

Ready to grow dill?

Plan your garden with exact spacing and zone-specific planting dates. An AI companion helps with the rest.

Start Planning Free →