Dill (Anethum graveolens)
by CMG Kathleen S.
Many of us can remember helping our mother or grandmother as they pickled and canned cucumbers. The results were tangy, crunchy, delightful pickles. Dill was often the key herb of choice to make the all-time favorite dill pickle.
Bunch of Dill from Chicago.Suntimes.com
The leaves of the dill plant can be used to add a delicious citrus-like flavor to marinades and sauces that pair nicely with chicken and fish dishes. The seeds are used as a pickling spice. The names “Dill” and “Dill weed” are often used interchangeably. However, these names can be used to specify different parts of the same plant. “Dill weed” refers to the leaves which taste like anise and lemon. “Dill” refers to the seeds which have the flavor of anise and caraway.
Dill Flowers from Agrifarming.in
This plant is a member of the Apiaceae family originally from Eurasia, particularly the Mediterranean area. It has hollow stems and light open, bluish green leaves with yellow flowers shaped like an umbrella. Dill likes full sun, soil that is slightly acidic and good air circulation. It is often used as a companion plant for cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Do not plant with carrots because dill’s tap roots will compete for nutrients with the carrots which can result in stunted carrots. Dill and cilantro cross pollinate so be aware if you plan to collect seeds for replanting. Dill can be used as a trap crop for tomato hornworms and aphids.
Flowering Dill from Mobivy.com
While Dill helps to keep harmful insects away, it also attracts beneficial insects. It is a host plant for black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. Dill is only somewhat drought tolerant, but appreciates consistent watering. Protect it from strong winds. Sowing seeds directly in the ground works best because dill has a large taproot and can be difficult to transplant without damage. The seeds need to be covered to a depth of 1/4 inch and sprout in 10 to 14 days.
Dill weed and seed from Homesteadingfamily.com
Set aside a special area for Dill. It is a prolific self-seeder and can easily over run other plants. If you are planning to use dill over an extended period of canning and summer cooking, you can sow Dill seeds every 2 to 3 weeks. Dill can also grow in containers. Use a container that is 8 to 10 inches deep to allow room for the tap root. Pieces of terracotta or small rock should be used to cover the bottom of the contain after drilling drainage holes. Light colored plastic or wooden containers work best.
There are many varieties of dill that include:
- Fernleaf Dill only grows to a height of 18 inches making it a perfect choice for containers
- Mammoth Dill is one of the tallest at 5ft tall. It’s large seeds are believed to be the best for pickling.
This is a very easy plant to grow but if you have further questions Texas Agrilife offers a pamphlet entitled “Easy Growing: Dill “.
References: gardenhugs.com/growing-dill-pots/; epicgardening.com/growing-dill; How to Grow Dill Plants: The Complete Guide; agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/asset-external/easy-gardening-dill/gtv; substitutecooking.com/dill-seed-vs.dillweed; hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/herbs/planting-growing-and-harvesting-dill