Dill

1. 1

   Sow direct, not in modules

   Dill has a long, fragile taproot and resents transplanting. Either sow seed direct where you want it to grow, or use deep modular cells (10+ cm deep — root-trainer cells work well) and plant out before the roots circle the bottom. Standard module trays don't give enough depth.

2. 2

   First sowing in April, then successional

   Sow the first seeds in mid-April (mid-March in mild southern gardens, early May in cold areas). Then sow a new short row every 3 weeks until late July. This is the only way to keep tender foliage coming — each individual plant bolts to flower within 6–8 weeks of sowing in warm weather.

3. 3

   Sun and well-drained soil

   Full sun, ordinary garden soil. Heavy or wet soils encourage damping off and root rot. On clay, sow into a raised bed or large container of multipurpose compost. Don't enrich the soil — dill flowers and bolts faster on rich ground.

4. 4

   Sow shallow and thin

   Surface sow or barely cover seed (1 cm max). Germination in 7–14 days at 15–20°C. Thin seedlings to 20 cm apart when they have 2–3 true leaves. Crowded plants bolt sooner and produce thinner foliage.

5. 5

   Pick young foliage from 6 weeks

   Cut whole stems just above a side-shoot rather than picking individual leaves. The plant branches and re-grows for several cuts. Once flower buds form, leaf production stops and flavour weakens — let those plants run to seed for pickling, and rely on younger successional sowings for fresh foliage.

6. 6

   Let some plants flower for hoverflies

   The yellow umbel flowers in July–August are extraordinary for hoverflies and parasitic wasps — both major aphid predators. Letting a few plants flower per dill patch turns it into a biological pest-control hub. Most gardeners let the late-summer plants flower (since they're going to seed anyway).

7. 7

   Harvest seed for pickling

   Dill seed has a stronger, more aniseed flavour than the leaf — essential for dill pickles, gravlax, rye bread. Cut flower heads as the seeds turn brown but before they shatter (early September). Hang upside-down inside a paper bag for 1–2 weeks; seeds drop into the bag as they dry. Store in a sealed jar.

8. 8

   Don't plant near fennel

   Dill and fennel cross-pollinate (both in the carrot family) and produce hybrid plants with muddy flavour. Keep them at opposite ends of the garden, or pick one or the other. Dill also doesn't mix well with carrots (same family, attracts the same pests).

Aphids occasionally cluster on flower heads but rarely cause harm.